An H. montana seedling that was imported from Japan by Gus Krossa of Michigan in the 1960's and registered by Peter Ruh of Ohio on  his behalf in 1992. This large size (27 inches high) had ovate to broadly ovate leaves of a very thick substance. Near white "H. montana like" flowers are borne from late June into July.

According to The Hostapedia by Mark Zilis (2009), "...'King James' and 'King Michael' are forever linked in hostadom. Both are seedlings related to H. montana macrophylla and may be siblings of 'Mikado'. Both bear near-white flowers from late June into early July, and make imposing specimen plants in the shade garden. Unfortunately, the two have become somewhat mixed up in collections and in the nursery trade...The general consensus is that 'King Michael' has taller flower scapes, while 'King James' has bluer foliage."