H. ‘Odd Ball’
Hosta ‘Odd Ball’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 1995 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-2 (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 1995, 'Odd Ball' is a small, mound-forming hosta resulting from a hybrid cross with *H. 'Northern Mist'* as the pod parent. Its most distinctive feature is the heavy glaucous bloom present on both the upper and lower surfaces of the blue-green leaves, giving the foliage a muted, powdery appearance.
In the Garden
'Odd Ball' reaches a mature size of 11 inches (27.9 cm) in both height and diameter, forming a compact, slow-growing mound. Its small stature and cordate leaves with smooth margins make it well-suited for the front of a shaded border, rock gardens, or container culture. It pairs effectively with other small hostas, ferns, or shade-tolerant groundcovers in typical hosta-growing zones.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly in warmer climates, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with many blue-green hostas, the glaucous bloom is delicate and may be marred by overhead watering or handling; standard slug and deer precautions are recommended for this cultivar.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 11 in (27.9 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 11 in (27.9 cm) |
| Leaf length | 4 in (10.2 cm) |
| Leaf width | 2.25 in (5.7 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 12 |
| Leaf | slightly blue green smooth margins; glaucous bloom on top; glaucous bloom underneath |
| Flower scape height | 18–20 in (45.7–50.8 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: Hybrid of H. 'Northern Mist' — H. ‘Northern Mist’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-2, small size):
- H. ‘Blue Lady’ (1998)
- H. ‘Pewterware’ (1999)
- H. ‘Blue Skies’ (1988)
- H. ‘Brother Ronald’ (1988)
- H. ‘Fragrant Blue’ (1988)
- H. ‘Halcyon’ (1988)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #4082