H. ‘Purple Verticulated Elf’
Hosta ‘Purple Verticulated Elf’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2003 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-2 (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 2003, this small blue-green hosta is notable for its intensely bluish-purple flowers that retain their color into October, a trait uncommon among hostas. The cultivar produces ovate leaves with slightly rippled margins and a glaucous bloom on both surfaces, borne on a compact mound.
In the Garden
With a mature diameter of 20 inches (50.8 cm) and height of 8 inches (20.3 cm), 'Purple Verticulated Elf' forms a moderate-growing mound suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or container culture. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for blue-leaved hostas, and pairs well with ferns, heucheras, and other small woodland perennials. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for troughs or small shade gardens.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage; monitor for slugs in moist conditions and protect from browsing deer where present.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 8 in (20.3 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 20 in (50.8 cm) |
| Leaf length | 4.8 in (12.2 cm) |
| Leaf width | 3.4 in (8.6 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 9 |
| Leaf | intensely blue green slightly rippled margins; glaucous bloom on top; glaucous bloom underneath; moderately wavy and lightly folded |
| Flower scape height | 11–12 in (27.9–30.5 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | intense bluish-purple color holds into October; flowers clustered in tiered whorls up scape (degree varies) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: selfed seedling of an F-6 seedling of
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Purple Verticulated Elf’ as a parent:
- H. ‘Evening Blush’ (seedling (pollen parent))
- H. ‘Amethyst Chip’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Amethyst Facet’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Cosmic Little Elf’ (seedling (pollen parent))
- H. ‘Pixie Moonstone’ (seedling (pollen parent))
- H. ‘Purple Perfection’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Silver Tongued Devil’ (seedling (pollen parent))
- H. ‘Slim and Trim’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Sterling Medallion’ (seedling (pollen parent))
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-2, small size):
- H. ‘Venetian Blue’ (2003)
- H. ‘Mr Blue’ (2005)
- H. ‘Miss Linda Smith’ (2006)
- H. ‘Pewterware’ (1999)
- H. ‘Blue Lady’ (1998)
- H. ‘Pacific Blue Edger’ (2009)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #4519