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Blue hosta--small, very small

15 years ago

I'm looking for a very blue hosta that would mature at no more than 12" wide. Anyone have any suggestions?

And as a second question, is there a site where you can enter what you need and find some names. Like: "blue" and "12 inches wide or less". Or "great flowers". That kind of thing. Thanks!

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Comments (13)

triciae
15 years ago
Hi Ginny!

How about 'Blue Mouse Ears'?

/tricia

Here is a link that might be useful: Blue Mouse Ears
Babka NorCal 9b
15 years ago
Wonderful choice. Mine is 7 years old, in a pot, and about 17" across, so it does get wider than 12". But it is so very cute.
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lynnda
15 years ago
Blue Ice is a small one, also Bill's Dress Blues.
ginny12
Original Author
15 years ago
I am checking these out--thank you. Hi Triciae back at you and thanks for the link. Isn't it interesting how plants get bigger than their estimate when newly introduced? Let me tell you about this magnolia I have....

Thank you all for these suggestions and hope to hear more. I found a great hosta thru recommendations here--Tom Schmid. Bought two and, tho only a year in the garden, they catch everyone's eye. So I know I'll be happy with whatever you come up with on this query.
Jennifer Schwarz
15 years ago
Blue Ice is really nice. It holds the blue color really well and has stayed under 12 inches in my garden after 3 seasons. Blue Chip is also a good one. I have only had one season so I cannot comment on the width but the color is great. Both of them are a beautiful frosty blue. You can find both at Naylor Creek.
dhaven
15 years ago
Blue Moon is a beautirul hosta that will fit your criteria. It may eventually get larger than 12 inches across, but it's such a slow multiplier that it will take 15 or 20 years. It has lovely round leaves, and is very distinctive.
ademink
15 years ago
Definitely Blue Mouse Ears if you don't have it. You will want to hug it every time you see it! I also have Bill's Dress Blues and it is a reliable and cute little bugger!
ginny12
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for these suggestions. Now I'll have to decide among them after looking at online photos. Blue Mouse Ears is a very attractive plant but 17" is too big for the spot--and hostas get really big really fast here. And then they start splitting into two plants and it is a huge job to dig and divide. So I sorta want to plant and forget.
Babka NorCal 9b
15 years ago
Ginny12- Have you been gardening for very long? I'm over 60 and although in my dreams I would be able to plant and forget, it never happens. Gardens change, the plants you want to play with change, %^&t happens because of weather or varmints. It took over 7 years for my Blue Mouse Ears to get that big. Don't deprive yourself of a fabulously adorable, cute, cute cute little hosta because it might eventually get a little bigger. Dividing a small one isn't like tackling a 5' wide whopper. Please reconsider. It has darling little flower stalks too!!!
caliloo
15 years ago
I would recommend Solberg's new intro - Baby Blue Eyes. I bought one this spring and it is awesome!

Here is a link that might be useful: Baby Blue Eyes
ginny12
Original Author
15 years ago
Yes, I have been gardening more years than I will admit to, Babka! And we are both right. A garden is non-stop change, some you choose and some find you, like the herd of deer I battle. But there are some plants that genuinely are "plant and forget".

I have many hostas that fit that description. They are such monsters to move or divide that I try to plant them in a permanent home. Of course, I fertilize, water, mulch as needed but they are virtually carefree for me, knock on wood.

I also have astilbes, maidenhair ferns, balloon flowers and some others that have been in the same place with no dividing etc. for 25 years plus. Admittedly, most of my perennials want a lot more attention than that so I love the "plant and forget" (except for admiring them) all the more.

And Caliloo, that Baby Blue Eyes is really appealing. I may have to try more than one of these but Blue Mouse Ears seems to have the vote.
rosethyme
15 years ago
What Babka said...great wisdom and advice. A new hostaholic here...starting to dream about hostas like I used to do with roses. :) I've ordered a bunch of hostas including Blue Mouse Ears. Can't wait to see those cute little ears.
dbowemd
15 years ago
Baby Bunting is very small, and sort of blue.
Popo is mini and fairly blue also.

Dave

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