Hosta var 'Gigantosaurus'

Hosta spp. 'Gigantosaurus'

Asparagaceae 

• Part sun to shade
• 30-32" tall x 72-78" wide
• Drought Tolerant: Moderate (prefers consistent moisture)
• Evergreen: No (herbaceous perennial, dies back in winter)
• Flower Color: Pale lavender, blooms early to mid-summer
• Wildlife Benefits: Attracts hummingbirds

Hosta 'Gigantosaurus' is a colossal hosta that will make your shade garden feel like Jurassic Park. This giant cultivar is one of the first hostas to emerge in early spring, bursting into growth while other perennials are still dormant. The plant thrives in part sun to shade conditions and performs best in moist, well-drained, organically rich soil. Like most hostas, it grows best with consistent moisture and benefits from regular watering during dry periods, though the thick leaves provide some tolerance for dry conditions once established. This is a 2025 Proven Winners introduction bred by Hans Hansen, resulting from a cross between a streaked sport of 'Empress Wu' and 'Blueberry Muffin'. The plant exhibits vigorous growth and will develop into a massive specimen over several growing seasons.

The foliage of 'Gigantosaurus' is truly enormous and commanding, with individual leaves measuring an impressive 17 inches long by 11 inches wide. The large, blue leaves emerge in spring with dramatic wavy yellow margins that create bold contrast against the blue-gray centers. As summer progresses, the yellow margins gradually transition to creamy white, providing evolving color interest throughout the growing season. The leaves are thick with heavy substance and display the vigorous, architectural form characteristic of giant hostas. In early to mid-summer, pale lavender flowers appear on scapes held just above the massive foliage at approximately 30 inches tall. The flowers sit proportionally on the huge mound, adding delicate contrast to the bold foliage without overwhelming the plant's impressive presence.

The pale lavender flowers provide nectar for hummingbirds during the summer blooming period. The massive size and early emergence make this cultivar a true garden statement piece and conversation starter. The thick, heavily textured leaves offer natural resistance to slug damage compared to thin-leaved varieties. This is an exceptionally vigorous grower that establishes quickly and fills its allotted space within a few seasons. The enormous leaves provide excellent coverage and weed suppression once the plant reaches maturity. The early spring emergence gives gardeners an exciting preview of the growing season and provides instant impact when little else is growing in the shade garden.

'Gigantosaurus' requires ample space and works best as a dramatic specimen plant or bold focal point in large shade gardens. Use it to anchor corners of shade borders, frame entryways, or create impressive plantings near water features where its reflection doubles the impact. The massive spread makes it an excellent groundcover for large areas under mature trees. Plant with smaller hostas, ferns, and fine-textured perennials to create dramatic scale and textural contrast. Combine with early spring bulbs which will bloom before the hosta emerges, then be concealed by the enormous leaves. Pair with shade-loving shrubs like Hydrangea and Rhododendron for a layered woodland garden effect. This cultivar is perfect for gardeners seeking maximum impact and dramatic presence in challenging shady locations.