Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears'

Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears': Petite Perfection in Powder Blue

Charming and compact, Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' is a treasured miniature cultivar beloved for its thick, rounded leaves in a dreamy shade of powdery blue. Like tiny lily pads nestled in the shade, its tidy mounds offer refined texture and elegant form, flowering in midsummer with soft lavender bells that hover just above the foliage.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 10–15 cm
• Spread: 20–30 cm, forming a tight, symmetrical mound
• Flower Colour: Pale lavender
• Flowering Period: Mid to late summer
• Foliage: Rounded, thick, blue-grey leaves with a quilted texture
• Sunlight Requirements: Partial to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter

Uses and Benefits: Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' is ideal for shady containers, woodland edges, and foreground plantings where its diminutive size can be appreciated up close. Its sculptural foliage adds structure and contrast beneath taller perennials or ferns, while the summer blooms attract bees and hummingbirds. A collector’s favourite, it brings refined charm and dependable performance to shade gardens big or small.

Companion Plants: Pair Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' with Athyrium 'Ghost', whose silvery fronds offer an ethereal backdrop and mirror the hosta’s cool tones. Add contrast with Pulmonaria 'Raspberry Splash', whose speckled leaves and pink-to-blue blooms bring spring sparkle. Finish with Brunnera 'Jack Frost', whose heart-shaped, silver-veined leaves echo the hosta’s shape while brightening the shade.

Care Instructions: Provide dappled to full shade and moist, humus-rich soil. Water regularly during dry periods to maintain leaf quality. Remove spent flower stalks to tidy the plant, and divide every 4–5 years in early spring to rejuvenate growth. Slug-resistant due to its thick leaves, it requires little maintenance beyond seasonal clean-up.

History: Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' is a sport of Hosta 'Blue Cadet', introduced by Emile and Jane Deckert in 2000. It quickly became a sensation among collectors for its unique scale, charming shape, and exceptional substance, earning multiple Hosta Society awards and international acclaim.

Final Thoughts: Like a jewel nestled in the shade, Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' offers a touch of whimsy and elegance in equal measure. Its compact form, delightful blooms, and sculptural foliage make it a standout in the world of miniature perennials—perfect for those who find magic in the details.