H. ‘Richland Blue’

Overview

Registered in 2007 from unknown parentage, *Hosta* 'Richland Blue' is a large, upright cultivar distinguished by its intensely blue-green, nearly round leaves with heavy substance, pronounced corrugation, and a prominent glaucous bloom on both surfaces. The foliage forms a dense, symmetrical mound 18 inches (45.7 cm) tall and 42 inches (106.7 cm) wide, with each leaf measuring up to 11 inches (27.9 cm) long and 7.5 inches (19.1 cm) wide, bearing 15 to 16 pairs of veins.

In the Garden

'Richland Blue' performs best in partial to full shade, where its blue coloration remains most intense; excessive sun may diminish the glaucous bloom. Its substantial size and slow growth rate make it suitable as a specimen plant in shaded borders, woodland gardens, or as a focal point in mixed perennial beds. The upright, heavily textured leaves pair well with finer-textured shade plants such as ferns, *Heuchera*, or *Carex*, and the 15- to 17-inch (38.1–43.2 cm) green scapes bearing lavender flowers in midsummer provide modest vertical interest.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. The heavy substance of the leaves offers some resistance to slug damage, though monitoring and control measures may still be necessary in damp conditions.