H. ‘Blaue Venus’

Overview

Registered in 2003 by P. & J. Ruh, this small blue-green cultivar was produced from a self-cross of the *Tardiana* group. Its distinctive features include a compact, low-spreading mound of ovate leaves with slightly rippled margins, dull surfaces, and prominent veining, all carried on blue-green scapes.

In the Garden

*Hosta 'Blaue Venus'* reaches a mature diameter of approximately 10 inches (25.4 cm) and a height of 4.25 inches (10.8 cm), forming a dense, mound-like clump with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for blue-leaved hostas, and is well-suited to rock gardens, troughs, or the front of shaded borders. Its small stature makes it an excellent candidate for container cultivation or as an edging plant alongside other dwarf perennials such as *Heuchera* or *Carex*.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, as blue-leaved cultivars are prone to leaf scorch in dry conditions. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, and monitor for slug activity, which can damage the foliage. Deer may browse the leaves in some regions.