H. ‘Smoke Signals’
Hosta ‘Smoke Signals’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2008 |
|---|---|
| Section class | III-2 (Medium) |
Overview
Registered in 2008, *Hosta* 'Smoke Signals' is a medium-sized cultivar derived from a cross between *H.* 'Salute' (pod parent) and *H.* 'Carolina Blue' (pollen parent). It is visually distinctive for its intensely blue-green foliage, which retains its glaucous bloom on both leaf surfaces throughout the growing season, and its upright, moderately fast growth habit.
In the Garden
'Smoke Signals' forms a clump approximately 38 inches (96.5 cm) in diameter and 20 inches (50.8 cm) tall, with upright scapes reaching 22 to 26 inches (55.9 to 66.0 cm). It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for hostas, and its blue coloration is most pronounced in cooler, shaded conditions. The medium size makes it suitable for mid-border positions or as a specimen in woodland gardens; companion plants with contrasting foliage, such as ferns or heucheras, complement its upright form.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth emerges. Like most blue-leaved hostas, the glaucous bloom is susceptible to slug damage, so monitor for pests; deer may also browse the foliage.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 20 in (50.8 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 38 in (96.5 cm) |
| Leaf length | 9 in (22.9 cm) |
| Leaf width | 5 in (12.7 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 10 |
| Leaf | intensely blue-green flat margins; glaucous bloom on top; glaucous bloom underneath; lightly folded, lightly wavy |
| Flower scape height | 22–26 in (55.9–66.0 cm) |
| Notable characteristics | intense, long-lasting blue color and upright form |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Salute' — H. ‘Salute’
- Pollen parent: H. 'Carolina Blue' — H. ‘Carolina Blue’
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Smoke Signals’ as a parent:
- H. ‘Hometown Hero’ (seedling (pod parent))
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (III-2, medium size):
- H. ‘Purple Rain’ (2008)
- H. ‘Blue Cascade’ (2009)
- H. ‘Canadian Blue’ (2009)
- H. ‘Lederhosen’ (2010)
- H. ‘Delaware River’ (2005)
- H. ‘Blue Haired Lady’ (2004)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #5222