Bob Solberg's Upright Blue — Deeply Cupped, Boldly Corrugated, Impressively Tall
Bob Solberg registered Hosta 'Nate the Great' in 2003, crossing H. nigrescens with H. 'Tokudama Aureonebulosa' to create this striking upright blue-green cultivar. The nearly round, cordate-based leaves are deeply cupped and moderately corrugated — carried on an unusually erect clump that grows to 55.9 cm (22") tall and 101.6 cm (40") wide at a moderate pace. Tall straight scapes rise 111.8–121.9 cm (44–48") above the foliage, making it one of the most architecturally dramatic hostas available. Canadian gardeners from Zone 3 through 9 will appreciate its reliable hardiness and bold presence.
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Upright architecture: An unusually erect clump habit sets 'Nate the Great' apart from typical mound-forming hostas — bold vertical presence in the shade garden.
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Deeply cupped and corrugated: Nearly round leaves reach 22.9 cm (9") long × 19.1 cm (7.5") wide with 13–14 vein pairs, glaucous bloom on both surfaces, and pronounced cupping and corrugation.
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Towering scapes: Blue-green scapes rise 111.8–121.9 cm (44–48") — among the tallest of any registered hosta — producing 5.1 cm (2") pale lavender tubular flowers from mid-July through mid-August.
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Bob Solberg pedigree: Bred from H. nigrescens × H. 'Tokudama Aureonebulosa' — a cross that captures the best of both parents in vigour, leaf substance, and blue intensity.
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Sets viable seed: Produces blue-green pods with viable seed — valued by hosta breeders seeking blue parentage.
| Feature |
Specification |
| Size (H × W) |
55.9 cm × 101.6 cm (22" × 40") |
| Hardiness Zone |
3–9 |
| Colour |
Medium blue-green, glaucous bloom |
| Light Requirements |
Partial to full shade |
Grower's Tip: 'Nate the Great' handles Canadian winters from Zone 3 through 9 with ease. We grew this one at our former Ontario nursery, where its upright habit and towering scapes stopped visitors in their tracks every summer — an absolute stunner that earns every bit of its name. Our True to Type standard means you receive the authentic Bob Solberg selection, verified before it leaves Bécancour, QC.
