H. ‘Blue Beetle’

Overview

Registered in 2005, this medium-sized cultivar was developed from an open pollination of *Hosta* 'Cinnamon Sticks'. It is visually distinctive for its blue-green leaves with dark purple petioles that extend into the leaf blade, combined with purple scapes that contrast with the foliage.

In the Garden

'Hosta 'Blue Beetle' forms a dense, mound-like clump reaching 11 inches (27.9 cm) in height and 24 inches (61.0 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of most hostas, where its blue-green coloration remains most intense. The medium size and rounded, lightly wavy leaves make it suitable for mid-border positions or as a groundcover in shaded beds, pairing well with ferns or other shade-tolerant perennials.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during dry periods, particularly in the first growing season, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Slugs and deer may damage the foliage, so monitoring and protective measures are advisable in areas where these pests are prevalent.