With small, rounded, upturned leaves in silvery-blue, the 'Hadspen Blue' hosta adds cool charm to shady areas, where its blue color is best preserved. In summer, clusters of lavender flowers peek out from the foliage. Thick, textured leaves resist slugs.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Hadspen Blue'

Common Name: Hadspen Blue Hosta

Garden Size: 12-18 inches tall by 20-30 inches wide; scape height 15 inches

Growth Rate: Most hostas have a moderate to fast growth rate.

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Slightly upturned, blue-gray leaves with a soft, matte appearance. The blue coloring is best preserved when protected from direct sunlight. Heavily textured leaves are resistant to slug damage.

Flowers: Pale lavender, nearly white 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: IV-2 (Small Leaved, Blue)

Parentage: Hybrid of H. tardiflora x H. sieboldiana 'Elegans'