This second generation Tardiana-type seedling was another of those registered (1988) by the British Hosta and Hemerocallis Society (BHHS) on behalf of English hybridizer, Eric Smith. It forms a medium size (13 inches high) mound that has bluish foliage in the spring that changes to dark green later in the summer. Pale lavender flowers open in mid-August into early September followed by viable seeds.

According to The Hostapedia by Mark Zilis (2009), "Though 'Kingfisher' is not as blue as many other Tardianas, it does offer slug resistant foliage that displays a rich green color from June to October."

The New Encyclopedia of Hostas by Diana Grenfell (2009) states: "Keep out of direct sunlight to retain the unusual glaucous dark blue-green for as long as possible. Prized for its late-blooming flowers...Distinct from other hostas in the Tardiana Group in that it dramatically changes color from dark blue-green to very dark green early in the season."

There is also a German cultivar named H. 'Chiemsee Elsvogel' which translates into Chiemsee (a lake in Germany) Kingfisher.