H. ‘Dress Blues’
Hosta ‘Dress Blues’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 1995 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-5b (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 1995, *Hosta* 'Dress Blues' is a small-sized cultivar derived from a cross between a seedling of *H.* 'Breeder's Choice' and *H.* 'Halcyon'. Its defining visual characteristic is the intense blue-green leaf blade edged with a smooth, yellow-gold margin, a combination made more pronounced by a glaucous bloom on both leaf surfaces.
In the Garden
'Dress Blues' forms an open, upright mound reaching 24 inches (61.0 cm) in height and 36 inches (91.4 cm) in diameter, with a fast growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for blue-leaved hostas, where the glaucous bloom remains intact. Its compact size suits it for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container plantings, and it pairs well with ferns, heucheras, or other small shade perennials.
Care Notes
Water regularly to maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Fertilize in early spring as new growth emerges. As with most hostas, slug and deer damage may occur; monitor and manage as needed.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 24 in (61 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 36 in (91.4 cm) |
| Leaf length | 7 in (17.8 cm) |
| Leaf width | 3.5 in (8.9 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 6 |
| Leaf | intensely blue green with .5in (1.3cm) wide, yellow gold, smooth margins; glaucous bloom on top; glaucous bloom underneath |
| Flower scape height | 28–38 in (71.1–96.5 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: F-1 seedling of H. 'Breeder's Choice'
- Pollen parent: H. 'Halcyon' — H. ‘Halcyon’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-5b, small size):
- H. ‘Praying Hands’ (1996)
- H. ‘Butter Rim’ (1986)
- H. ‘Autumn Frost’ (2009)
- H. ‘Broad Ripple’ (1995)
- H. ‘Candy Cane’ (1995)
- H. ‘Lakeside Cogwheel’ (1995)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #1522