H. ‘Blue Ribbon’

Overview

Registered in 2012 from unknown parentage, *Hosta* 'Blue Ribbon' is a giant cultivar distinguished by its intense blue-green foliage that retains color throughout the growing season. The plant forms an upright to open mound with broadly ovate, lightly corrugated leaves that display a glaucous bloom on both surfaces and slightly rippled margins.

In the Garden

'Blue Ribbon' reaches 25 inches (63.5 cm) in height and 48 inches (121.9 cm) in diameter, making it suitable as a specimen or focal point in shaded borders and woodland gardens. Its fast growth rate and substantial leaf size allow it to compete effectively with surrounding perennials such as ferns, *Heuchera*, and *Astilbe* in partial to full shade. The blue-green scapes, rising 30 to 38 inches (76.2 to 96.5 cm), support pale lavender flowers in midsummer.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, particularly during establishment, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most blue-leaved hostas, 'Blue Ribbon' is susceptible to slug damage and deer browsing in typical hosta-growing zones.