H. ‘Bill Dress's Blue’

Overview

Registered in 1999 by W. Dress, this miniature hosta forms a dense, ground-hugging mound of blue-green foliage. The leaves are distinguished by a pronounced glaucous bloom on both surfaces, giving them a powdery blue appearance that persists well into the growing season.

In the Garden

With a mature spread of 9 inches (22.9 cm) and height of only 2.5 inches (6.4 cm), 'Bill Dress's Blue' functions as an effective ground cover in the front of borders or rock gardens. It performs best in partial to full shade, where its blue coloration is most intense, and benefits from the dappled light typical of woodland settings. The compact size and rapid growth rate make it well suited for troughs, containers, or small-scale plantings, where it can be paired with other miniature hostas or fine-textured shade perennials such as *Tiarella* or *Carex*.

Care Notes

Water regularly to maintain even moisture, particularly during dry periods, and apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage, though its diminutive stature may allow for protective netting or organic barriers.