H. ‘Chesapeake Bay’

Overview

Registered in 2004, *Hosta* 'Chesapeake Bay' is a large, fast-growing cultivar resulting from a cross between (*H.* 'Maui Rains' x *H.* 'Blue Arrow') and *H.* 'Blue Betty Lou'. It is visually distinctive for its upright habit with good leaf separation, broadly ovate blue-green leaves that are moderately folded, moderately wavy, and lightly corrugated, with a glaucous bloom on both surfaces and slightly rippled margins.

In the Garden

This cultivar reaches a mature diameter of 40 inches (101.6 cm) and a height of 25 inches (63.5 cm), with scapes up to 31 inches (78.7 cm) tall. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for blue-leaved hostas, where its glaucous bloom is best preserved. The upright, well-separated leaves make it suitable for mid-border placement or as a specimen in woodland gardens, paired with ferns or shade-tolerant perennials.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most large-leaved hostas, it may require protection from slugs and deer in garden settings.