H. ‘Holy Smokes!’

Overview

Registered in 2015 from unknown parentage, *Hosta* 'Holy Smokes!' is a large cultivar distinguished by its heavy glaucous bloom, which coats both the upper and lower surfaces of its blue-green leaves with a powdery, dusted appearance. The broadly ovate leaves, measuring 10 inches (25.4 cm) long and 7 inches (17.8 cm) wide, feature slightly rippled margins, a twisted tip, and a tapered base, with 10 to 11 pairs of veins.

In the Garden

'Holy Smokes!' forms a dense, mound-like clump reaching 19 inches (48.3 cm) in height and 26 inches (66.0 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for blue-leaved hostas, where the glaucous bloom is most pronounced. Its large size makes it suitable as a specimen or in mixed shade borders, paired with ferns, heucheras, or fine-textured groundcovers; it is not recommended for containers due to its mature dimensions.

Care Notes

Water regularly to maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. The thick, glaucous foliage offers moderate resistance to slugs, though standard slug control measures are advisable in damp conditions; deer may browse young shoots.