H. ‘Blue Velvet’

Overview

Registered in 1976 by P. Aden, this large blue-green hosta arose as a selfed seedling of *Hosta* 'Tokudama'. It is visually distinctive for its broad, heavily textured leaves with pronounced blue margins and a thick, corrugated surface that holds color well into the season.

In the Garden

Mature plants reach 22 inches (55.9 cm) in height and spread to 30 inches (76.2 cm) in diameter, forming a dense, mounded clump. Leaves are 10 inches (25.4 cm) long and 8 inches (20.3 cm) wide with 14 vein pairs. Best grown in partial to full shade, where the blue tones are most pronounced; excessive sun may cause leaf bleaching. The 28-inch (71.1 cm) scapes bear pale lavender flowers in midsummer. Suitable for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and as a specimen in larger containers.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Slugs and deer may damage foliage; monitor and manage as needed in typical hosta-growing zones.