H. ‘Valley's Ice Giant’

Overview

Registered in 2015 by an unknown breeder, *Hosta* 'Valley's Ice Giant' is a giant-sized cultivar resulting from a cross between *H. 'Neptune'* (pod parent) and *H. 'Big John'* (pollen parent). It is distinguished by its intensely blue-green, broadly ovate leaves with heavily rippled margins, a glaucous bloom on both surfaces, and white undersides that contrast with the blue-green upper surface.

In the Garden

'Valley's Ice Giant' forms a fast-growing, mound-like clump reaching 31.5 inches (80.0 cm) in height and 43.25 inches (109.9 cm) in diameter. Its large leaves—15.75 inches (40.0 cm) long and 10.625 inches (27.0 cm) wide with 11 vein pairs—feature deeply wavy, deeply flat margins and a cordate base. This cultivar performs best in partial to full shade, typical of most hostas, and its substantial size makes it suitable as a specimen plant or as a backdrop in shaded borders; it pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like many large-leaved hostas, it may be susceptible to slug damage, and deer browsing can occur in areas where deer are present.