H. ‘Blue Belle’

Overview

Registered in 1988 by E. Smith and the BHHS, *Hosta* 'Blue Belle' is a small-sized cultivar derived from the *H. Tardiana* Group. It is visually distinctive for its cordate, blue-green leaves with smooth margins, each measuring 5 inches (12.7 cm) long and 3.75 inches (9.5 cm) wide, and bearing eight vein pairs.

In the Garden

'Blue Belle' is best suited to partial to full shade, where its blue-green foliage retains its color most effectively. With a mature diameter of 22 inches (55.9 cm) and a height of 16 inches (40.6 cm), it forms a compact, rounded clump. Its small size makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens, front-of-border placements, or container cultivation; it pairs well with ferns, heucheras, and other shade-tolerant perennials.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Blue Belle' is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so protective measures may be necessary in areas where these pests are prevalent.