A Celestial Blue Giant for the Shady Border
Hosta 'Above the Clouds' is a large blue hosta bred by Hans Hansen of Walters Gardens as part of the SHADOWLAND® collection. Registered as a cross between H. 'Silver Moon' and H. 'Liberty', it was selected for its exceptional leaf substance and architectural form. Its nearly round, deeply cupped leaves display a cloudy silver-blue colour with a puckered, corrugated texture at maturity. It performs reliably across Canadian hardiness zones 3–9, making it a strong choice for most regions. Use it as a bold anchor in shady borders or woodland gardens where its size and colour create lasting impact.
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Leaf form: Thick, deeply cupped and corrugated leaves with a puckered surface that holds its cloud-like texture throughout the season.
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Colour: Persistent glaucous silver-blue that holds well into summer; clean, rounded leaf margins without rippling.
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Size: Reaches approximately 64 cm (25") in height and spreads 140–150 cm (55–59") at maturity, forming a dense, weed-suppressing mound.
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Flowers: Pale lavender blooms appear in midsummer on sturdy 90 cm (35") scapes and attract hummingbirds and pollinators.
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Slug resistance: Heavy leaf substance provides natural resistance to slug damage, keeping foliage pristine through the season.
| Feature |
Specification |
| Size (H × W) |
64 cm × 140–150 cm (25" × 55–59") |
| Hardiness Zone |
3–9 |
| Colour |
Cloudy silver-blue; pale lavender flowers |
| Light Requirements |
Partial to full shade |
Grower's Tip: Site this hosta where it receives dappled morning light and is shielded from harsh afternoon sun, which can melt the glaucous wax and diminish the blue. Plant in moist, organically enriched soil and water consistently during the first two seasons to support root establishment. Every plant shipped from our trial fields in Bécancour, QC is verified True to Type — the cupped form and puckered texture are confirmed before it leaves the nursery.
