H. ‘Blue Elf’

Overview

Registered in 2020, *Hosta* 'Blue Elf' is a small, mound-forming cultivar notable for its unusually thick, intensely blue-green leaves with a glaucous bloom on both surfaces. The round leaves, measuring 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) long by 3 inches (7.6 cm) wide with flat margins and 11 vein pairs, exhibit a slight convex cupping that contributes to the plant's compact, dense appearance.

In the Garden

'Blue Elf' reaches a mature diameter of 11 inches (27.9 cm) and a height of 4 inches (10.2 cm), forming a low, slow-growing mound suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens, or trough plantings. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of hosta-growing zones, and pairs well with small ferns, heucheras, or miniature sedges that complement its blue foliage. Its diminutive size makes it an excellent candidate for container cultivation.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during dry periods; apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. The thick leaves offer moderate resistance to slugs, though standard slug control measures are advisable in damp conditions. Deer may browse young foliage.