The King - Hosta

Hosta 'The King' forms a broad mound of blue-green leaves with irregular cream margins. It is grown mainly for its foliage, while lavender-purple bells rise above the leaves in July and August; one cultivar profile lists a mature clump about 47 cm tall and 90 cm wide. [Chicago Botanic Garden](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/hosta-king-king-hosta) [Promesse de Fleurs](https://www.promessedefleurs.ie/perennials/perennials-by-variety/hostas-plantain-lilies/hosta-the-king.html) ## Foliage and use The thick, slightly wavy leaves provide a bright cream-edged pattern from spring into autumn. Use the plant in a shaded border, as a ground-covering clump, or in a container where its foliage can be seen closely. Hosta foliage is the main ornamental feature, with flowers held on tall scapes above the mound. ## Growing conditions Choose partial or full shade and keep the soil evenly moist. The Chicago Botanic Garden recommends moist loamy soil enriched with organic matter and lists USDA zones 3–8. Avoid leaving the root zone waterlogged, while protecting the broad leaves from prolonged summer dryness. ## Seasonal care Expect lavender-purple flowers in midsummer. Slugs can mark hosta leaves, although the cultivar’s thick foliage is described as resistant to slug attack. ## Maintenance Mulch to conserve soil moisture, check leaves for slug damage, and remove dead foliage after it dies back.