Where to Find Giant Hostas for Sale Near Me

Giant hostas are the showstoppers of any shade garden. With their huge leaves that can grow over 30 inches tall and wide, giant hostas make a dramatic statement in the landscape. If you’re looking to add some wow factor to your garden, giant hostas are a great option But where can you find these behemoths for sale? Here’s a guide on where to find giant hostas for sale near you

What are Giant Hostas?

First, let’s define what makes a hosta “giant.” Giant hostas are generally classified as growing over 30 inches in height and/or width. However, some giant cultivars can truly live up to their name, growing up to 5 feet tall and 6 feet wide!

To put their size into perspective, most regular hostas grow anywhere from 5-15 inches in height. So giant hostas really do stand out.

Some popular giant hosta cultivars include

• Empress Wu – Grows up to 5 ft. tall and 6 ft. wide. Has thick blue-green leaves.

• Blue Angel – Grows about 30 in. tall and 5-6 ft. wide. Has blue rounded leaves.

• Sum and Substance – A classic giant, growing 30 in tall and wide Has chartreuse leaves.

• Krossa Regal – Grows about 3 ft. tall with blue-green leaves. Stays more compact than others.

• First Frost – A newer giant that grows 30 in. tall and can spread 7 ft. wide. Has frosted blue leaves.

The impressive sizes and leaf colors of giant hostas make them ideal statement plants in the garden. Their huge leaves can fill a large space or complement smaller plants. You just need to make sure you have the room for these beasts!

Where to Find Giant Hostas for Sale

Now that you know what sets giant hostas apart, where can you find these giants for sale? Here are some options:

Local Nurseries

One of the best places to find giant hostas is your local independent garden nursery. Many nurseries will carry a selection of the most popular giant cultivars like Empress Wu and Blue Angel. The benefit of shopping local is you can see the plants in person and pick ones with the best color and growth. The drawback is selection is often limited.

Online Hosta Specialty Nurseries

For the widest selection of giant hosta cultivars, online specialty nurseries are the way to go. These nurseries focus specifically on hostas. Here you can find rare and hard-to-find giants. Two reputable online sellers with giant hosta selections are:

• Pine Forest Gardens – Offers over 20 different giant hosta varieties. All are potted and ready to ship.

• NH Hostas – Carries over 150 large & giant hosta varieties. You can select bare root or potted options.

The benefit of online nurseries is access to more cultivars. Just be aware of shipping restrictions based on your location and time of year.

Local Hosta Societies

Hosta societies are groups dedicated to the study and enjoyment of hostas. Most local societies hold plant sales, auctions, or trades where members sell and swap cultivars. These sales are great places to find rare or unusual giants from local growers. Get to know fellow hosta lovers too!

Hosta Shows/Conventions

Occasionally, large hosta shows or conventions are held by hosta societies around the country. These draw hundreds of hosta growers together to display and sell plants. The national convention held by the American Hosta Society is a prime place to find new and exciting giant introductions.

Hosta Farm Nurseries

Some independent nurseries focus entirely on growing and selling hostas. These “hosta farm” nurseries offer an incredible selection since hostas are their specialty. They often introduce their own giant hybrids. Two noteworthy hosta farms with giant selections are:

• The Hosta Hideaway – Located in York Springs, PA. Grow over 400 hosta varieties on site.

• Shady Oaks Nursery – A leading introducer of new giant hostas. Located in Waseca, MN.

Though rare, these specialized retail farms are hosta lover’s paradises! Call ahead as availability fluctuates.

Mail Order Catalogs/Websites

Many mail order plant catalogs and websites offer a selection of popular giant hosta varieties. Large retailers like Bluestone Perennials and Nature Hills Nursery are good examples. The benefit is convenience, but selection is limited.

In-Person Hosta Gardens

If you come across a particularly amazing hosta in someone’s garden, don’t be afraid to ask for a division! Many gardeners will happily share a piece. Get inspiration for your garden and a new giant in one stop.

When to Purchase Hostas

Hostas can be purchased potted or bare root:

• Potted – Can be planted anytime during the growing season. Most expensive option but provides flexibility.

• Bare Root – Only available while dormant, roughly late summer thru early spring. Least expensive option. Requires quick planting.

For the widest availability, shop for bare root hostas in the late winter and early spring months. However, keep weather conditions in mind for your area to avoid damaged frozen plants. Or opt for potted for more flexibility.

Planting & Growing Tips for Giant Hostas

Once you’ve brought home your prized giant hosta, proper planting and care will help it thrive:

• Site – Giant hostas need adequate space! Select an area with rich, moist soil and morning sun with afternoon shade.

• Planting – Dig a hole 2-3x the width of the root ball. Backfill with amended soil. Water thoroughly after planting.

• Care – Consistent moisture is key. Mulch to retain moisture. Remove spent flowers and prune when needed.

• Division – Large hostas may take 3-5 years to mature before division. Divide in early spring every 3-5 years.

Give your giant hosta a proper home in the garden and it will grow into a spectacular specimen in just a few seasons. It’s worth hunting down these big beauties for your landscape.

Let the Hunt for Giants Begin!

Adding giant hostas to your garden is a surefire way draw the eye and make a dramatic statement. While it may take some searching to track down the most unique and rare giant varieties, the hunt for these substantial specimens is part of the fun for hosta lovers.

So explore local nurseries, hosta specialty sellers, conventions and shows to find the perfect giants for your yard. With the right selection and care of giant hostas, your landscape will take on a bold new scale. Happy giant hosta hunting!