Hosta Shadowland® 'Hudson Bay'

Discover the majesty of Hosta Shadowland® 'Hudson Bay', named the 2024 National Hosta of the Year by Proven Winners! This spectacular hosta forms a large mound of attractive tricolor leaves with heavy substance and incomparable beauty. Its wide, bright blue margin, apple green jetting, and creamy white center set it apart from all other Hostas, creating a striking visual display that lasts all season long.

Characteristics

• Foliage : It forms a large mound of very attractive, heavy-substance tricolor leaves. The wide margin is bright blue, the center is creamy white, and apple green "jets" extend from the central vein, creating a magnificent contrast and unique appearance throughout the season. The foliage is variegated.
• Bloom : Produces near-white flowers on white scapes that appear in early summer. They attract hummingbirds.
• Light : Thrives in part shade to full shade (4 to 6 hours of indirect sun or less than 4 hours of direct sun). It performs best in moist, well-drained, organically enriched soil and full to part shade.
• Habit : Its habit is **mounding**, forming a large and impressive clump of foliage.
• Growth : Its growth is **medium**. It is a larger and stronger hosta than its parent 'Eskimo Pie', reaching a height of 91 to 102 cm (36 to 40 inches) and a spread of 152 to 183 cm (60 to 72 inches).
• Humidity : Requires average to consistent water needs. Prefers moist, well-drained soil.
• Soil : Thrives in average to fertile, moist, well-drained, and organically enriched soil. Tolerates acidic and neutral soils.
• Temperature : Extremely **hardy**. It is well-adapted to cold winters.
• Watering : Requires average to consistent watering to keep the soil moist.

Uses

• Types of Use : Ideal as a **border plant**, in **containers** (very large), in **landscape beds**, or as a **specimen or focal point** in shady garden areas. It offers excellent coverage for dying bulb foliage. It is well-suited for Asian, cottage, eclectic, formal, modern, and woodland shade gardens.
• Decorative Advantages : Its unique tricolor and heavy-substance foliage makes it a very showy and attractive hosta throughout the season. It adds a touch of color, texture, and sophistication to shady corners. It is also tolerant of urban pollution.

Care

• Fertilization : An annual fertilization with a balanced perennial fertilizer in early spring can be beneficial to support its healthy growth.
• Pruning : Maintenance is **easy**. Cleaning up dead foliage after frost is recommended to prevent insect problems.
• Planting :
  • Distance : Space plants about 152 to 183 cm (60 to 72 inches) apart to allow this large hosta to fully flourish.
  • Depth : Plant the root ball at the same level as the soil in the original container.
  • Period : Spring or early fall are the best times for planting.