H. ‘Dorset Flair’

Overview

Registered in 1990 by E. Smith and P. Ruh, this small blue-green cultivar arose from the *Hosta* Tardiana Group, with *Hosta* 'Dorset Flair' as its pod parent. It is visually distinctive for its compact mound of blue-green leaves with slight undulation along the margins, combined with a relatively tall scape that rises well above the foliage.

In the Garden

'Dorset Flair' forms a low, dense clump reaching 9 inches (22.9 cm) in height and 13 inches (33.0 cm) in diameter, with individual leaves measuring 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) long by 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) wide. It performs best in partial to full shade, where its blue-green coloration remains most pronounced. Its small size makes it well suited for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container plantings, and it pairs effectively with other small hostas or shade-tolerant perennials such as ferns and heucheras.

Care Notes

Water regularly during dry periods to maintain consistent soil moisture, and apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so protective measures may be necessary in areas where these pests are prevalent.