H. ‘Belle of the Ball’

Overview

Registered in 1998 by H. Sugita and P. Ruh, *Hosta* 'Belle of the Ball' is a large, mound-forming cultivar derived from a cross between *H. kiyosumiensis* and *H. pycnophylla*. It is visually distinctive for its blue-green foliage with medium green, slightly rippled margins and a glaucous bloom on the leaf undersides.

In the Garden

This cultivar forms a substantial mound reaching 23 inches (58.4 cm) in height and 51 inches (129.5 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, where its blue-green leaves maintain their color, and pairs well with ferns, heucheras, and other shade-tolerant perennials. Its large size makes it suitable as a specimen plant or in the middle to back of a shaded border.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most large-leaved hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so appropriate deterrents may be necessary in areas where these pests are prevalent.