Full of cool blue charm, this big cerulean hosta consists of large rounded leaves whose robust texture resists slug damage. The sapphire coloring is most intense in spring before its blue glaucous coating gives way to glossy green in summer heat.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Eola Sapphire'

Common Name: Eola Sapphire Hosta

Garden Size: 24-48 inches tall by 48-96 inches wide; scape height 48-60 inches

Growth Rate: Moderate

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Large, heart-shaped, blue-green leaves with a heavily seersuckered or corrugated texture. The leaves are particularly blue in early spring, with a dusty coating that gives way to glossy green as the season progresses. Robustly textured foliage is resistant to slugs.

Flowers: Tube-shaped, pale lavender flowers that grow on scapes above the foliage. Blooms early to mid 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: I-2 (Giant Leaved, Blue)

Parentage: Parentage unknown