Hosta ‘Great Escape’

Rippled White-edged Foliage and Great Garden Vigor.

The best sport of the famous ‘Halcyon.’

‘Halcyon’ is the parent of many a fine Hosta, but none so beautiful or robust as this exciting 2006 introduction from Dutch breeder Jan van den Top. The iron-blue color remains true from spring until frost, while the wide, clean white margins on every leaf show off the rippled texture to lovely effect. A showpiece of a plant, worthy of closer study in a container as well as wide use in the shade border.Reaching 14 to 18 inches high and 18 to 24 inches wide, this plant keeps its lovely texture despite environmental stress. Large lilac blooms, bell-shaped and held slightly up and out, decorate it on long, slender stems in summer, but the real show is the foliage, which unfurls dramatically in early spring and then just improves as it matures. You may catch a third color among the blue and white — in the areas where the edging meets the center, there are hints of spring green.

A good choice for challenging climates, ‘Great Escape’ thrives in partial to full shade. Like all Hostas, it is very long-lived and easy to grow, withstanding heat, humidity, cold, and even drought without damage. Divide it easily into new plants or let it age majestically, its foliage improving in substance and texture with each passing year.

Zones 3-9.