This lovely blue-green hosta forms a mound of many layers of palm-sized, heart-shaped leaves. Smooth with prominent veins, the leaves keep their blue color best in shade. Near-white flowers crown the 'Halcyon' hosta in summer.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Halcyon'

Common Name: Halcyon Hosta

Garden Size: 18-21 inches tall by 24-36 inches wide; scape height 18-28 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: Palm-sized, blue-green leaves frosted with a soft glaucous bloom. The young leaves are pointed while older leaves are more heart-shaped with gently undulating edges. The blue color is best preserved when protected from the sun. This hosta's thick foliage is resistant to slugs.

Flowers: 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: IV-2 (Small Leaved, Blue)

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