Hosta 'Fragrant Blue'

Hosta 'Fragrant Blue': Cool-Toned Charm with a Gentle Scent

Soft and serene, Hosta 'Fragrant Blue' offers a soothing presence in the shade garden with its powdery blue foliage and subtle fragrance. The rounded, slightly cupped leaves hold their colour well into summer, resisting the fade that affects many blue-toned hostas. In midsummer, pale lavender flowers appear—lightly scented and visited by pollinators—adding grace to this understated beauty.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 35–45 cm
• Spread: 60–75 cm, forming a neat, softly mounded clump
• Flower Colour: Pale lavender
• Flowering Period: Midsummer
• Foliage: Rounded, powdery blue leaves with a matte finish; thick and lightly cupped
• Sunlight Requirements: Partial to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, organically rich soil

Uses and Benefits: Hosta 'Fragrant Blue' lends gentle colour and soft structure to the shade garden. Its cool foliage makes it an ideal foil for chartreuse, burgundy, or silver-leaved companions, while its fragrance adds another layer of sensory interest. Perfect for borders, shaded foundations, or near seating areas where its subtle scent can be appreciated, this hosta provides reliable performance and understated elegance.

Companion Plants: Pair Hosta 'Fragrant Blue' with Astilbe 'Visions in White', whose airy plumes soften the hosta’s structure and echo its gentle tones. Add Athyrium 'Ghost' for vertical texture and silver-washed fronds that enhance the cool palette. Round out the group with Hakonechloa macra, a graceful green grass that introduces fluid movement and woodland charm.

Care Instructions: Plant in partial to full shade with consistently moist, fertile soil. Provide shelter from strong afternoon sun to preserve the blue colouring. Water during dry spells and remove faded foliage in early spring. Divide every 4–5 years to maintain a tidy clump and promote long-term vigour.

History: Hosta 'Fragrant Blue' is a seedling selection introduced by Tony Avent of Plant Delights Nursery. It’s celebrated for combining strong blue leaf colour with a soft floral scent—a rare and treasured combination in the hosta world.

Final Thoughts: With its dreamy blue foliage and gentle perfume, Hosta 'Fragrant Blue' offers a calm, cool counterpoint in the shade. An inspired choice for gardeners seeking both beauty and subtle fragrance beneath the trees.