H. ‘Birds of Happiness’

Overview

Registered in 1999, 'Birds of Happiness' is a small hosta cultivar derived from a hybrid of *Hosta* 'Blue Whirls'. It is visually distinctive for its intensely blue-green foliage with a glaucous bloom on the upper surface and slightly rippled leaf margins, contrasting with dull undersides and tapered leaf bases.

In the Garden

This slow-growing hosta reaches a mature spread of approximately 36 inches (91.4 cm) and a height of 24 inches (61.0 cm), making it suitable for the middle to front of shaded borders or woodland gardens. It performs best in partial to full shade, where its blue-green color remains most pronounced. Companion plants include ferns, *Heuchera*, and *Tiarella*; its small size also makes it appropriate for container culture in typical hosta-growing zones.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most blue-leaved hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage; regular monitoring and protective measures are advisable.