H. ‘Catherine Ann’

Overview

'Catherine Ann' (1999) is a blue hosta. F. Nyikos of Unionville, Indiana, is credited as originator, namer, introducer and registrant. The pod parent is recorded as unknown and the pollen parent as 'Blue Dimples'. What the registration does record in detail is the leaf: intensely blue-green, coated with a glaucous bloom on both surfaces, broad for its length and heavily veined.

In the Garden

The plant is upright with a moderate registered growth rate, registered at 36 in (91.4 cm) across and 16 in (40.6 cm) high. Leaves measure 8.5 in (21.6 cm) by 7.5 in (19.1 cm), have a cordate base, and carry 16 pairs of veins. Scapes are registered at 31 to 33 in (78.7 to 83.8 cm).

How it compares

'Purple Rain' (2008) is the nearest match on spread, 35 in (88.9 cm) across at 12 in (30.5 cm) high, but its leaf is narrower, 9 in (22.9 cm) by 5 in (12.7 cm), medium blue-green, and moderately cupped, folded and wavy where 'Catherine Ann' is described without any of that movement. It comes from 'Uncle Albert' × 'Halcyon' and has no scape data on file. Pick it if a cupped, wavy leaf matters more than leaf width; 'Catherine Ann' has the broader, intensely blue-green leaf.

'Bruce's Blue' (1991) is registered smaller: 24 in (61.0 cm) wide, 12 in (30.5 cm) tall, with a 7 in (17.8 cm) by 5.5 in (14.0 cm) blue leaf and 10 vein pairs. Its parentage is recorded as unknown.

'Linde' (1987) is taller relative to its width, 17 in (43.2 cm) high on a 21 in (53.3 cm) clump, with gray-blue leaves 8 in (20.3 cm) by 6.5 in (16.5 cm).

Flowers and other notes

Pale lavender flowers are recorded from June 1 to June 20. Leaf substance is not recorded, nor how long the blue holds; the hosta care guide covers the rest.

Sources: AHS Registry records for 'Catherine Ann' (#944), 'Blue Dimples' (#599), 'Purple Rain' (#4517), 'Uncle Albert' (#5880), 'Halcyon' (#2422), 'Bruce's Blue' (#828) and 'Linde' (#3419), hostaregistrar.org.