An Unruly Gale of Deeply Cupped Sapphire Waves
Hosta 'Cloudburst' is a fascinating 2006 registration from the collaborative minds of Doug Beilstein and Mark Zilis, born from the golden-hued Hosta 'Glory'. This variety takes an entirely different path, forming a low, wide-spreading mound that Mark Zilis himself described as unruly. A spectacular choice for the Canadian gardener who appreciates a plant with raw, untamed character, it performs beautifully from the cool coasts of the Maritimes to the rugged interior of British Columbia.
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Architectural Defiance: Broadly ovate leaves are deeply cupped, twisted, and corrugated, creating a wild, turbulent silhouette that breaks the mould of traditional mounded hostas.
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Glaucous Sapphire Start: In spring, foliage is cloaked in a thick glaucous bloom on both surfaces, giving the plant a misty, cerulean appearance.
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Dramatic Colour Shift: As the season progresses, the waxy bloom yields to a lustrous, shiny dark green finish, offering a completely different character by midsummer.
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Looming Scapes: In late June, tall blue-green scapes rising to 76 cm (30") carry tubular pale purple flowers high above the chaotic foliage.
| Feature |
Specification |
| Size (H × W) |
41 cm × 84 cm (16" × 33") |
| Hardiness Zone |
3–9 |
| Colour |
Medium blue-green turning shiny dark green |
| Light Requirements |
Partial to full shade |
Grower's Tip: Because Hosta 'Cloudburst' is prized for its unruly habit and the transition from a waxy bloom to a shiny finish, it is a variety that must be observed to be appreciated. We never ship dormant crowns based on a label alone — the twisting and cupping are far too central to its identity. We wait for spring emergence at our Bécancour trial fields to verify that the chaotic leaf form and 12-to-14 vein pairs are True to Type before your specimen is approved for travel.
