A Soaring Giant with Cathedral-Scale Presence
J. Linneman registered Hosta 'Valley's Cathedral' in 2008 from a cross of H. pycnophylla and H. 'Temple Bells'. It grows to an impressive 90 cm (35") tall and 70 cm (27") wide with a strongly upright habit and fast growth rate. The broadly ovate, cordate-based leaves are dark green, moderately wavy, and slightly shiny on top with a glaucous bloom on the underside. It performs reliably across Canadian hardiness zones 3–9. Plant it as a commanding vertical specimen at the back of a large shaded border.
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Exceptional Height: Reaches 90 cm (35") tall with an upright habit — one of the tallest hostas available and a true architectural anchor for large-scale shade plantings.
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Glaucous Underside: The waxy glaucous bloom on the leaf underside creates a striking two-tone effect, with the slightly shiny dark green upper surface contrasting beautifully against the pale reverse.
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Wavy Dark Green Foliage: Broadly ovate leaves with 9 vein pairs and moderately wavy, slightly rippled margins add bold texture and movement to the shade border.
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Large Tubular Flowers: Pale lavender tubular flowers up to 5 cm (2") long appear from mid-July through mid-August on scapes reaching 70–90 cm (27–35") high.
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Pycnophylla Hybrid Vigour: Bred from H. pycnophylla, 'Valley's Cathedral' inherits improved leaf substance and a fast growth rate that rewards patient gardeners with rapid establishment.
| Feature |
Specification |
| Size (H × W) |
90 cm × 70 cm (35" × 27") |
| Hardiness Zone |
3–9 |
| Colour |
Dark green; glaucous bloom on underside |
| Light Requirements |
Partial to full shade |
Grower's Tip: 'Valley's Cathedral' handles Canadian winters with ease from Zone 3 through 9, and its fast growth rate means it establishes quickly once planted in rich, moisture-retentive soil. We grow it at our nursery in Bécancour, QC where we verify the characteristic upright habit and glaucous leaf underside before shipping. Our True to Type standard means you receive the authentic 'Valley's Cathedral', confirmed before it leaves Bécancour.
