A Piercing Powdery Blue That Commands the Shade Garden
Frank Nyikos registered Hosta 'Awakening Angel' in 2005 from a cross of H. 'Mikawa-no-yuki' and H. 'Uncle John'. The long, spear-shaped leaves emerge in an intense powdery blue and are held horizontally in a distinctive flat, spreading habit unlike traditional mounding hostas. Each leaf is deeply veined and slightly wavy with a thick waxy coating that holds the blue tone through the season. It grows vigorously across Canadian hardiness zones 3–9. Plant it as a bold focal point in a large shaded border where its architectural spread can be fully appreciated.
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Intense Powdery Blue: Long, narrow lance-shaped leaves emerge in a striking powdery blue with a thick waxy coating that is particularly vivid in spring and holds well into summer.
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Unique Flat Spreading Habit: Leaves are held horizontally in a distinctive "flat pancake" form, creating a wide, low architectural presence that sets it apart from all other blue hostas.
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Deep Architectural Veining: Each leaf is deeply veined and slightly wavy, adding bold tactile texture and a sophisticated rhythm to the garden floor.
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Picotee-Edged Blooms: Dense clusters of very pale purple flowers with a distinct darker purple picotee edge appear in late July through August on tall scapes above the spreading mound.
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Vigorous Grower: Despite its refined appearance, 'Awakening Angel' establishes quickly and spreads generously, making it one of the most rewarding large blue hostas for Canadian shade gardens.
| Feature |
Specification |
| Size (H × W) |
38–48 cm × 127–152 cm (15–19" × 50–60") |
| Hardiness Zone |
3–9 |
| Colour |
Intense powdery blue; transitions to dark green as wax thins |
| Light Requirements |
Partial to full shade |
Grower's Tip: To preserve the famous powdery blue as long as possible, avoid harsh afternoon sun which can thin the protective waxy coating — 'Awakening Angel' handles Canadian winters with ease from Zone 3 through 9 but rewards a sheltered, shaded position. We grow it at our nursery in Bécancour, QC and wait for the distinct spear-like leaves to unfurl before every plant ships. Our True to Type standard means you receive the authentic 'Awakening Angel', verified before it leaves Bécancour.
