H. ‘Kong’

Overview

Registered in 1990 by C. Soules, 'Kong' is a giant blue-green hosta resulting from a hybrid of *Hosta sieboldiana*. It is visually distinctive for its exceptionally large, heavily textured leaves that reach 15 inches (38.1 cm) in length and 10 inches (25.4 cm) in width, with prominent blue-green margins and 15 pairs of veins.

In the Garden

'Kong' reaches a mature spread of 70 inches (177.8 cm) in diameter and a height of 29 inches (73.7 cm), making it suitable as a specimen plant or for the back of a shaded border. It performs best in partial to full shade, where its blue-green foliage retains its color. Its substantial size pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials that contrast in texture or height.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. While slugs may damage young leaves, the thick texture of mature foliage offers some resistance; deer may browse the plant in typical hosta-growing zones.