H. ‘Deep Blue Sea’

Overview

Registered in 1994, this medium-sized hosta cultivar arose as a hybrid of Hosta 'Blue Moon'. Its most distinctive feature is the dark blue-green foliage with a pronounced glaucous bloom on the upper surface, which gives the leaves a muted, powder-blue appearance that persists through the growing season.

In the Garden

'Deep Blue Sea' forms an open, mound-like clump reaching 15 inches (38.1 cm) in height and 34 inches (86.4 cm) in diameter. The cordate leaves measure 8 inches (20.3 cm) long by 7 inches (17.8 cm) wide, with 12 pairs of veins and dark blue margins. It performs best in partial to full shade, as is typical for blue-leaved hostas. The medium stature makes it suitable for mid-border positions or as a groundcover beneath deciduous trees, where its blue tones contrast well with gold or chartreuse foliage companions such as Hosta 'Sum and Substance' or Carex species.

Care Notes

Water regularly during establishment and in dry periods; apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage, particularly in moist, shaded conditions.