Growing Blue Hostas
- John Plant
- May 30
- 5 min read
Gardens are adorned with an extensive array of vibrant and captivating colours. However, one colour that is notably scarce in this spectrum, as well as in the natural world more broadly, is blue. Due to its rarity among plants, the blue Hosta stands out as one of the most striking and sought-after specimens.
The Hosta genus exhibits remarkable diversity in terms of colour, texture, and size. These enduring plants are adaptable to various conditions and climates, often surpassing the longevity of other garden plants. Blue Hosta varieties, in particular, offer an array of blue and silvery tones in both large and small sizes. Blue Hostas come in all shapes and sizes but often the bigger the better for landscape accents.
For those aiming to enhance their garden looks or seeking a resilient perennial for a shaded area, planting a blue Hosta is an excellent choice. When it comes to the colours of perennial plants in the garden, blue is by far the most rare.
Blue Hostas are highly regarded not only for their distinctive colour but also for their ease of care under suitable conditions. When provided with the appropriate environment, these plants require minimal maintenance and can flourish independently, often exhibiting remarkable longevity that may surpass that of their caretakers.
However, cultivating blue Hostas can be challenging if not managed properly. While these plants may appear to be an ideal addition to your garden, common mistakes can easily transform your lush setting into a horticultural challenge.
According to a study by the American Hosta Society, Hostas are among the top five most purchased perennials each year, yet many gardeners encounter difficulties with them. To join the ranks of successful growers, consider these essential management tips.
We will try and address the frequent errors made by gardeners and demonstrate how a few minor adjustments can lead to successful cultivation.
What Makes Blue Hostas Blue?
Blue Hostas develop a glaucous waxy layer that develops as they emerge which helps to protect the leaves from harmful weather. The waxy layer causes the light to reflect in such a way that it gives the Hosta leaves that bluish colouring. These Hostas will get bluer through the years as they reach maturity, which is often about four to five years. (from Greek glaukos, meaning “gleaming” or “grey,”)
Hostas exhibit various shades of blue, with each variety possessing different amounts and types of blue-tinted wax coating that can alter the appearance of the leaves. Some Hostas develop this layer later in the season.
An example of a late-developing variety is the Hosta Humpback Whale, which achieves its deeper colour a little later in the growing season. In contrast, Blue Angel Hostas display their blue hues early in spring, while Fragrant Blue Hostas are known for retaining their blue coloration longer into the season.
The shape of the leaves also influences the shade of blue observed. Leaves that are twisted, corrugated, or have deep veins will cast a different shade of blue compared to those with smooth leaves.
The biggest and most obvious issues for Blue Hostas are the light levels.
Can they have too much sun?
Plants of the Hosta genus generally favour dappled shade during the day, rendering them suitable for challenging areas beneath trees. Additionally, they can prosper in locations that receive limited cool morning or afternoon sunlight.
Direct sunlight is unsuitable for all Hostas but probably more so for blue Hostas. They thrive in dappled shade, where sunlight filters gently through the leaves.
Too much sunlight, or the wrong sort of sunlight, may cause blue varieties to appear faded rather than vibrant. Exposing them to intense midday and afternoon sun can be highly detrimental. Research indicates that morning sun followed by afternoon shade is ideal for maintaining the health and colour of blue Hostas. Therefore, it is recommended to provide shaded environments rather than exposing them to excessive sunlight.
Morning sun and afternoon shade will give the Hosta just enough sun to thrive and enough shade to keep that blue colour longer. Most Hostas perform well in such a location, but it is even more important with the blue Hostas. Direct sun or too much sun can fade or melt off the blue wax and can cause the leaves to look more green than blue for the rest of that season. Without that waxy layer, the leaves can also burn more easily.
Prolonged exposure in the wrong position may result in a complete loss of colour, causing the leaves to remain green for the rest of the season.
So what choice of Hostas have we got?
Gardeners are spoiled for choice when it comes to blue Hosta varieties. Whether you’re looking for one of the famous large-leaved varieties, or need a compact container Hosta, there is an option for you.
Hosta cultivars Hosta Big Daddy and Hosta Big Mama are renowned for both their substantial size and widespread popularity. Similarly, cultivars such as Hosta Canadian Blue and Hosta Bressingham Blue are notable, as indicated by their names. Hosta Diamond Lake’ also exhibits large foliage, distinguished particularly by its deep blue hue, making it one of the most vividly coloured Hostas available. All these varieties are characterised by delicate white or lavender flowers that bloom in the summer, providing an appealing contrast to the impressive leaves.
Hosta Halcyon is among the most favoured medium Hostas. Its relatively compact size and striking blue foliage have made it a parent plant for numerous derivatives, including Hosta Fragrant Blue. Another noteworthy medium variety is the Hosta Abiqua Drinking Gourd, which, although similar to, Hosta Halcyon, possesses distinctively shaped leaves that are highly esteemed for their cupped silvery-blue appearance. For those seeking a variegated option within medium varieties, Hosta Autumn Frost offers an appealing choice with its blue-green leaves elegantly bordered in cream.
Several commonly recognized small varieties are distinguishable by the presence of mouse in their cultivar names. Among these, Hosta Blue Mouse Ears is particularly notable, followed closely by Hosta Blue Danube. Additionally, Hosta Blue Elf and Hosta Dancing Mouse are also significant choices. There are also variegated blue miniature Hostas such as Hosta Mini Skirt & Hosta Mouse Capades. These compact varieties are well-suited for small gardens or container cultivation.
The blue colour of Hostas can be described in various ways, such as deep blue, powdery blue, intense blue, metallic blue, icy blue, silvery blue, and chalky blue. With appropriate care, blue Hostas can contribute to the perennial shade garden.
The topic of which blue-leaved Hosta cultivars are at best, remains a subject of considerable debate. While opinions on this matter may vary, here at Rewela Hostas, we stock many varieties of blue Hostas, in all sizes..... The world is your Blue Oyster!
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John Plant
Rewela Hostas
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