Giant hosta varieties

Giant hostas are the largest size class, which the National Garden Bureau, citing the American Hosta Society, puts at clumps over 28 inches tall. The table below compares every variety we list side by side.

Varieties
8
Height
2–4 ft (56–122 cm)
Hardiness
USDA zones 3–9
Form

8 Giant

Compare all 8 side by side

All 8 giant hosta varieties

Leaves of Blue Angel hosta up close Blue Angel Giant blue-green hosta forming a 3 by 4 foot mound, with pale lavender to white summer flowers. Midsummer, Late summer3 ft (91 cm)
Leaves of Blue Hawaii hosta up close Blue Hawaii Vase-shaped hosta with large, heart-shaped, powdery blue leaves and pale lavender summer flowers. Early summer, Midsummer2½ ft (76 cm)
Leaves of Earth Angel hosta up close Earth Angel Large to giant hosta with blue-green heart-shaped leaves and wide creamy white margins. Midsummer2½–3 ft (76–91 cm)
Leaves of Empress Wu hosta up close Empress Wu Giant hosta with huge, deeply veined dark green leaves forming a clump 3 to 4 feet tall. Early summer, Midsummer3–4 ft (91–122 cm)
Leaves of Frances Williams hosta up close Frances Williams Giant hosta with corrugated blue-green leaves and wide chartreuse to yellow margins. Midsummer22 in (56 cm)
Leaves of Krossa Regal hosta up close Krossa Regal Upright, vase-shaped hosta with frosty blue-green leaves and very tall lavender flower scapes. Midsummer, Late summer3–3½ ft (91–102 cm)
Leaves of Sum and Substance hosta up close Sum and Substance Giant hosta with glossy chartreuse to gold leaves and more sun tolerance than most hostas. Midsummer, Late summer3 ft (91 cm)
Leaves of T Rex hosta up close T Rex Giant hosta with matte, slightly wavy green leaves up to about 18 inches long. Early summer, Midsummer2½–3 ft (76–91 cm)

How to choose

  1. Compare the Height column and leave room for the spread. A giant needs space to reach full size in a bed.

  2. Check the leaf color. NC State Extension notes that blue-leaved forms require deep shade, while green-leaved types will accept partial shade.

  3. Open a variety for its record before planting near paths, since a mature clump can overhang the edge.

Compare side by side

Color Sunlight
Blue Angel Giant 3 ft (91 cm) 3–9 Midsummer, Late summer Part shade, Full shade
Blue Hawaii Giant 2½ ft (76 cm) 3–9 Early summer, Midsummer Part shade, Full shade
Earth Angel Giant 2½–3 ft (76–91 cm) 3–9 Midsummer Part shade, Full shade
Empress Wu Giant 3–4 ft (91–122 cm) 3–9 Early summer, Midsummer Part shade, Full shade
Frances Williams Giant 22 in (56 cm) 3–9 Midsummer Part shade, Full shade
Krossa Regal Giant 3–3½ ft (91–102 cm) 3–9 Midsummer, Late summer Part shade, Full shade
Sum and Substance Giant 3 ft (91 cm) 3–9 Midsummer, Late summer Full sun, Part sun, Part shade
T Rex Giant 2½–3 ft (76–91 cm) 3–9 Early summer, Midsummer Part shade, Full shade

Frequently asked questions

How tall is a giant hosta?

Over 28 inches tall, in the American Hosta Society size classes quoted by the National Garden Bureau. NC State Extension also lists giant hostas as greater than 28 inches.

When should I divide a large hosta clump?

Clemson Extension advises dividing hostas either in the early fall or in spring before leaves unfold, and notes that hostas do best when left undisturbed for several years.

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