Hosta 'Blue Ivory'

Hosta 'Blue Ivory': Icy Elegance in Shade

Hosta 'Blue Ivory' is a refined selection that brings crisp, cool contrast to shaded garden spaces. Its thick, slug-resistant leaves emerge powdery blue with wide, creamy-white margins that brighten to ivory as the season progresses. The tidy, mounded habit stays neat and architectural, making it a favourite for formal shade beds and serene woodland settings. Lavender flowers rise on sturdy scapes in mid-summer, subtly attracting bees and adding vertical interest.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 40–45 cm
• Spread: 90–100 cm
• Flower Colour: Soft lavender
• Flowering Period: July to August
• Foliage: Blue with creamy-white to ivory margins, heart-shaped, thick
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil

Uses and Benefits: A standout in shaded borders, underplantings, or massed groundcover plantings, 'Blue Ivory' lends structure and year-round appeal. It's also excellent in containers and pairs beautifully with ferns, heucheras, and spring bulbs. With its thick foliage and clean form, it’s both low-maintenance and highly ornamental.

Companion Plants: For an elegant shade composition, pair with Dryopteris 'Brilliance', Heuchera 'Silver Scrolls', and Tiarella 'Cutting Edge'. Together they create a layered tapestry of colour, form, and texture that thrives in dappled light.

Care Instructions: Plant in fertile, moisture-retentive soil and mulch to maintain even moisture. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Remove spent flower scapes to tidy the plant and divide every few years in spring or fall to maintain vigour and size control.

History: 'Blue Ivory' is a sport of the popular Hosta 'Halcyon', offering enhanced margin contrast and greater visual impact. Bred for its garden resilience and thick foliage, it combines classic shade tolerance with contemporary aesthetics.

Final Thoughts: Cool, crisp, and dependable, Hosta 'Blue Ivory' delivers lasting elegance in shade. Its luminous variegation and robust habit make it a garden essential for texture, contrast, and quiet beauty.