H. ‘Back Bay’

Overview

Registered in 2009 by K. Walek (AHS), *Hosta* 'Back Bay' is a large blue-green cultivar derived from an F6 blue line descended from *H.* 'Blue Lace' and *H.* 'Polly Bishop'. It is visually distinctive for its broadly ovate to near-round leaves with deeply rippled, deeply corrugated margins and a heavy glaucous bloom on both surfaces, giving the foliage a matte, powder-blue appearance.

In the Garden

'Back Bay' forms a semi-upright to mounding clump reaching 23 inches (58.4 cm) in height and 38 inches (96.5 cm) in diameter. The leaves measure 10 inches (25.4 cm) long by 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) wide, with 12 vein pairs and a moderately cupped, cordate base. It performs best in partial to full shade, as is typical for blue-leaved hostas, where the glaucous bloom is best preserved. Companion plants include ferns, *Heuchera*, and other shade-tolerant perennials; its large size makes it unsuitable for small containers.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. The heavy glaucous bloom may be marred by overhead watering or handling; slug and deer damage is possible in typical hosta-growing zones.