H. ‘Van Wade Blue’

Overview

Registered in 2003 from unknown parentage, 'Van Wade Blue' is a large hosta cultivar distinguished by its intensely blue-green foliage. The leaves exhibit a glaucous bloom on both surfaces, contributing to a vivid blue appearance that persists through the growing season.

In the Garden

This cultivar forms a dense, mound-like clump reaching 43 inches (109 cm) in diameter and 17 inches (43 cm) in height, making it suitable for mid-border or specimen placement in partial to full shade. The broadly ovate, deeply corrugated leaves with cordate bases and lightly wavy margins provide strong textural contrast when paired with fine-textured ferns or broad-leaved companions such as *Heuchera* or *Pulmonaria*. Its substantial size and blue coloration make it effective as a focal point in woodland gardens or shade borders.

Care Notes

Plant in consistently moist, well-drained soil and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most blue-leaved hostas, this cultivar is susceptible to slug and deer damage; regular monitoring and protective measures are recommended in typical hosta-growing zones.