This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: partial or full shade
• Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average to fast
• Flowering period: July to August
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A classic, elegant, perennial foliage plant, 'Prince of Wales' forms a very large, dense mound of furrowed, silvery grey-green leaves and pale lavender flowers, borne on arching stems. The heart-shaped leaves are lipped, folding beautifully back into the stem reminiscent of a calla lily flower and make a dramatic full stop at a woodland edge, where they contrast beautifully with ferns and other foliage plants. A plant for both pots and humus-rich, reliably moist borders, this remarkable hosta is best planted in shade for the best blue colourations. Bred by Diana Grenfell and held in the collection at Highgrove House.
  
  
• Garden care: Water your hosta well as soon as you plant it (avoiding the foliage if possible), and then water it regularly and thoroughly - particularly during the first growing season. You'll get thicker, lusher leaves if you give your hostas a really good feed. An annual mulch in spring or autumn will help to keep the weeds down and is an easy way to improve soil and boost nutrient levels. Slugs and snails love hostas, so you will need to protect against them. Use an organic nematode treatment in early spring to ward them off - or pot them up into a gravel-topped pot.