Very large blue-green leaves are characteristic of Blue Angel, a classic hosta and a reliable grower, which can reach a height of 3 feet, forming a mound of thick, blue leaves 4 feet wide. It blooms in July and August with racemes of white to pale lavender flowers.

Hostas are shade tolerant, easy to grow, and long lived. Although they produce flowers held high above the foliage on long stalks called scapes, they are grown primarily for their foliage and neat habit. Hostas are actively hybridized for leaf color, size, shape, and texture; natural mutations or “sports” are common, and new introductions abound. Hosta cultivars range in size from several inches to several feet; it may take 3 to 8 years for hostas to reach their full size. They all prefer moist, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. Some leaf damage by slugs is to be expected, and deer find hosta delicious.