H. ‘Venetian Blue’
Hosta ‘Venetian Blue’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2003 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-2 (Small) |
Overview
Registered in 2003, 'Venetian Blue' is a small hosta cultivar derived from a cross of (*H. 'Tardiflora' x H. 'Marilyn'*) back to *H. 'Tardiflora'*. It is visually distinctive for its medium blue-green leaves with a pronounced glaucous bloom on both surfaces, elliptic-ovate shape with tapered bases, and moderately wavy margins.
In the Garden
This cultivar forms a compact, mound-like clump reaching 14 inches (35.6 cm) in height and 36 inches (91.4 cm) in diameter, with a medium-fast growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for blue-leaved hostas, where the glaucous bloom is most pronounced. Its small size and tidy habit make it suitable for rock gardens, container plantings, or the front of shaded borders, where it pairs well with ferns, heucheras, or other small hostas.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment, and apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage; monitor regularly and use barriers or repellents as needed.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 14 in (35.6 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 36 in (91.4 cm) |
| Leaf length | 6 in (15.2 cm) |
| Leaf width | 3 in (7.6 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 7 |
| Leaf | medium blue green flat margins; glaucous bloom on top; glaucous bloom underneath; moderately wavy |
| Flower scape height | 18–24 in (45.7–61.0 cm) |
| Seasonal colour change | shiny, dark green by mid-summer |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: (H. 'Tardiflora' x H. 'Marilyn') — H. ‘Marilyn’
- Pollen parent: H. 'Tardiflora'
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Venetian Blue’ as a parent:
- H. ‘Azure Frills’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Becky's Choice’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Dancing in the Dark’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Lightning Flash’ (seedling (pollen parent))
- H. ‘Proud Sentry’ (seedling (pollen parent))
- H. ‘Venetian Star’ (seedling (pod parent))
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-2, small size):
- H. ‘Mr Blue’ (2005)
- H. ‘Miss Linda Smith’ (2006)
- H. ‘Pewterware’ (1999)
- H. ‘Blue Lady’ (1998)
- H. ‘Pacific Blue Edger’ (2009)
- H. ‘Blue Hearts’ (2010)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #5987