A Grand Sapphire Canopy for the Canadian Landscape
Originally introduced by Florence Shaw and Paul Aden in 1978, Hosta 'Blue Umbrellas' is a giant among perennials, living up to its name with massive, protective foliage. This legendary cultivar is a pinnacle of shade garden design, often acting as a living shelter for smaller companions such as Blue Mouse Ears or delicate ferns tucked beneath its sprawling reach. From the wind-swept plains of the Prairies to the lush valleys of Quebec, its monumental presence provides an architectural standout that defines any large-scale woodland border.
Why It Stands Out
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Vast Cerulean Leaves: The enormous, heart-shaped blades emerge with a rich, glaucous bloom that transitions to a deep, sophisticated blue-green as the season progresses.
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Iconic Umbrella Architecture: Each leaf is slightly cupped and downward-drooping at the edges, creating a cascading, tiered effect that effectively sheds the heavy rains of a Canadian spring.
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Sturdy Vase-Like Habit: Despite its 182 cm wide span, the plant maintains a graceful, upright-mounded form, allowing it to serve as a majestic focal point or a cooling backdrop for smaller companions.
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Elegant Summer Spires: In mid-to-late summer, tall, sturdy scapes rise well above the canopy to display clusters of white, bell-shaped flowers.
Technical Specs
| Feature |
Specification |
| Size (H × W) |
91.4 cm × 182.9 cm (36″ × 72″) |
| Hardiness Zone |
Canadian Zones 3–9 |
| Colour |
Intense blue-green with a matte finish |
| Light Requirements |
Partial to full shade |
Grower's Tip
Give this giant the space it deserves — a mature Hosta 'Blue Umbrellas' can easily dominate a small garden bed, so site it where it can expand without crowding its neighbours. Because we are committed to our True to Type philosophy, we wait for those iconic, massive umbrella leaves to fully unfurl in our Bécancour trial fields to verify the plant's legendary vigour before it ever ships to your door.
