H. ‘Summer Joy’

Overview

A sport of *Hosta* 'Blue Moon' registered in 1998, 'Summer Joy' is a medium-sized cultivar distinguished by its blue-green leaves with white margins and upright growth habit. The cordate leaves measure 7 inches (17.8 cm) long by 6 inches (15.2 cm) wide, with 12 to 14 vein pairs and white margins 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide that are streaked with blue-green.

In the Garden

'Summer Joy' forms a compact clump reaching 10 inches (25.4 cm) in height and 20 inches (50.8 cm) in diameter, making it suitable for the middle of a shaded border or as an edging plant. It performs best in partial to full shade, where the blue-green leaf centers contrast well with lighter-foliaged companions such as ferns or *Heuchera*. The upright scapes, 10 to 12 inches (25.4 to 30.5 cm) tall, bear lavender flowers in midsummer.

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. Like most hostas, 'Summer Joy' is susceptible to slug and deer damage in typical hosta-growing zones.