H. ‘Blue Genes’

Overview

Registered in 2007, *Hosta* 'Blue Genes' is a medium-sized hybrid derived from a cross between *H.* 'High Kicker' and *H.* 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd'. The cultivar is visually distinctive for its intensely blue-green, broadly ovate leaves with flat margins, a lightly cupped form, and moderate corrugation, with a glaucous bloom on the undersides.

In the Garden

'Blue Genes' forms a dense, mound-like clump reaching approximately 14 inches (35.6 cm) in height and 40 inches (101.6 cm) in diameter, with a fast growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, where the blue-green leaf color is most pronounced. The substantial foliage pairs well with ferns, heucheras, and other shade-tolerant perennials; its medium size makes it suitable for border fronts or as a specimen in shaded beds.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Standard slug and deer precautions are advisable in gardens where these pests are prevalent.