H. ‘Blue Steel’
Hosta ‘Blue Steel’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by AHS, K. Walek.
| Year registered | 2009 |
|---|---|
| Registrant | AHS, K. Walek |
| Section class | I-2 (Giant) |
Overview
Registered in 2009 by K. Walek, *Hosta* 'Blue Steel' is a giant cultivar derived from a selfed seed of *H. 'Frances Williams'*. It is distinguished by its intensely blue-green, heavily rippled leaves with a glaucous bloom on both surfaces and deep corrugation, forming a large, mound-like specimen.
In the Garden
'Blue Steel' performs best in partial to full shade, typical for blue-leaved hostas, where its glaucous foliage retains its color. At maturity, it reaches 26 inches in height and spreads to 68 inches in diameter, making it suitable as a specimen or background plant in large borders. It pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials that contrast with its broad, textured leaves.
Care Notes
Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during dry periods. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges; slug and deer damage may occur and should be monitored.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 26 in (66 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 68 in (172.7 cm) |
| Leaf length | 12 in (30.5 cm) |
| Leaf width | 10.25 in (26 cm) |
| Leaf | intensely blue-green heavily rippled margins; glaucous bloom on top; glaucous bloom underneath; deeply corrugated |
| Flower scape height | 20–30 in (50.8–76.2 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Frances Williams' selfed — H. ‘Frances Williams’
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Blue Steel’ as a parent:
- H. ‘Algonquin’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Iroquois’ (seedling (pod parent))
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (I-2, giant size):
- H. ‘Blue Mammoth’ (2010)
- H. ‘Coal Miner’ (2010)
- H. ‘Groo Bloo’ (2010)
- H. ‘Mike’ (2010)
- H. ‘So Big’ (2010)
- H. ‘Clear Fork River Valley’ (2007)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #678