H. ‘Uncle John’

Overview

Registered in 2000, this small-sized cultivar resulted from a cross between *Hosta* 'Blue Splendor' and *Hosta* 'Halcyon'. 'Uncle John' is distinguished by its intensely blue-green leaves with a heavy glaucous bloom on both surfaces, forming a compact, dense mound.

In the Garden

'Uncle John' reaches 12 inches (30.5 cm) in height and spreads to 26 inches (66 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for blue-leaved hostas, where its glaucous foliage color is most pronounced. The small size and neat mound form make it suitable for rock gardens, troughs, or the front of shaded borders, where it pairs well with fine-textured ferns or small woodland perennials.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during dry periods, particularly in the first growing season. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. The thick, glaucous leaves offer moderate resistance to slugs, though monitoring is advisable in damp conditions. Deer may browse young foliage.