Blueberry-tinted speckles decorate the petioles of this frosty blue hosta. Its broad, heart-shaped leaves are heavily corrugated, providing both visual interest and slug resistance. In summer, clusters of small, pale purple flowers top this tasty specimen.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Blueberry Muffin'

Common Name: Blueberry Muffin Hosta

Garden Size: 14-24 inches tall by 30-40 inches wide; scape height 18 inches

Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding, semi-upright

Foliage: Rounded, heart-shaped, frosty blue leaves with a heavily corrugated texture. The glaucous coating that gives the foliage its blue color lasts well into the season but eventually gives way to pure green. Leaves are supported by semi-upright petioles with distinctive mauve speckles. Dense, textured foliage resists slug damage.

Flowers: Numerous small, pale lavender, tube-shaped flowers that grow on scapes above the foliage. Blooms mid to late summer.

Plant Origin: East Asia, primarily Japan and Korea. Most commercially available hostas are hybrids.

Wildlife Support: Hummingbirds and some bees enjoy the flowers. A favorite treat for our local deer.

Fertilizing: Apply compost in early spring before new growth emerges.

Pruning: Remove spent flower stalks to encourage new growth; trim back damaged or yellowing leaves as needed. Leave the leaves over the winter and wait until early spring to clean up.

ASPCA Toxicity flags (see their site for details): Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Uses: Ideal for shade gardens, woodland borders, and container plantings.

AHS Classification: Unregistered

Parentage: Hybrid of H. 'Frances Williams' x H. 'Fall Bouquet'