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.