H. ‘Mr Z’

Overview

Registered in 2014 by M. Zilis, this medium-sized cultivar resulted from a cross between an unnamed blue ruffled seedling and *Hosta* 'Blue Moon'. 'Mr Z' is distinguished by its intensely blue-green, broadly ovate leaves with slightly rippled margins, a heavy glaucous bloom on both surfaces, and prominent veining.

In the Garden

'Mr Z' forms a dense, mound-like clump reaching 14 inches (35.6 cm) in height and 20 inches (50.8 cm) in diameter, with a notably slow growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, where its blue coloration remains most intense; excessive sun may diminish the glaucous bloom. The thick leaf substance and compact habit make it suitable for shaded borders, rock gardens, or as a specimen in containers. Companion plants with contrasting foliage textures, such as ferns or fine-leaved grasses, complement its broad blue leaves.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods, and apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. The heavy leaf substance offers moderate resistance to slugs, though monitoring may still be necessary in damp conditions. Typical hosta-growing zones apply.