H. ‘PAL's First Blue’

Overview

Registered in 2008 by PAL Hostas, this medium-sized cultivar is distinguished by its blue-green leaves with narrow white margins. The lance-shaped foliage, measuring 8 inches (20.3 cm) long and 4 inches (10.2 cm) wide, displays seven pairs of veins and slightly rippled white margins approximately 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) wide. The leaf surface is slightly shiny above and dull beneath, with a flat base and lightly wavy edges.

In the Garden

Forming a mound 18 inches (45.7 cm) tall and 36 inches (91.4 cm) in diameter, 'PAL's First Blue' exhibits a fast growth rate and is suitable for typical hosta-growing zones. Its blue-green leaves with white margins provide contrast when paired with green or gold-foliaged perennials such as ferns or heucheras. The pale red-mottled scapes, reaching 24 to 34 inches (61.0 to 86.4 cm) in height, bear lavender flowers in midsummer.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with most hostas, slug and deer damage may occur and should be monitored.