H. ‘Dorset Blue’
Hosta ‘Dorset Blue’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by E. Smith.
| Year registered | 1977 |
|---|---|
| Originator | E. Smith |
| Registrant | E. Smith & P. Aden |
| Section class | IV-2 (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 1977 by E. Smith and P. Aden, this small hosta cultivar originated from a cross within the *H.* Tardiana Group. 'Dorset Blue' is distinguished by its blue-green foliage with blue margins, forming a compact mound 8 inches (20.3 cm) in both height and diameter, with leaves measuring 4 inches (10.2 cm) long and 3 inches (7.6 cm) wide, each bearing seven pairs of veins.
In the Garden
'Dorset Blue' is suited to partial to full shade, where its blue-green coloration develops best. At maturity, the plant forms a dense, rounded clump approximately 8 inches tall and 8 inches wide, with scapes reaching 12 inches (30.5 cm) in height. Its small size makes it appropriate for rock gardens, troughs, or the front of shaded borders, where it pairs well with other small perennials such as ferns or heucheras. It is also well suited to container cultivation.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, applying a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with most hostas, protect from slugs and deer, which may damage the foliage.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 8 in (20.3 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 8 in (20.3 cm) |
| Leaf length | 4 in (10.2 cm) |
| Leaf width | 3 in (7.6 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 7 |
| Flower scape height | 12 in (30.5 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. Tardiana Group
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Dorset Blue’ as a parent:
- H. ‘Heartbeat’ (seedling (pollen parent))
- H. ‘Baby Blue Eyes’ (seedling (pollen parent))
- H. ‘Blissful’ (seedling (pollen parent))
- H. ‘Blue Chip’ (seedling (pollen parent))
- H. ‘Blue Clown’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Blue Ice’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Blue Jay’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Everlasting Love’ (seedling (pollen parent))
- H. ‘Gemstone’ (seedling (pollen parent))
- H. ‘Grandma's Gem’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Hunters Ridge’ (seedling (pollen parent))
- H. ‘Mystic Star’ (seedling (pollen parent))
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-2, small size):
- H. ‘Hadspen Blue’ (1976)
- H. ‘Love Pat’ (1978)
- H. ‘Baby Bunting’ (1982)
- H. ‘Blue Arrow’ (1982)
- H. ‘Indigo’ (1984)
- H. ‘Abiqua Blue Edger’ (1987)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #1484