H. ‘Trailblazer’

Overview

Registered in 1999 as a sport of *Hosta* 'Francee', 'Trailblazer' is a medium-sized cultivar distinguished by its blue-green leaves with broad, creamy white margins. The leaf blade measures 8 inches (20.3 cm) long and 6 inches (15.2 cm) wide, with 9 to 11 pairs of veins, a cordate base, and a slightly shiny upper surface with a glaucous bloom beneath.

In the Garden

'Trailblazer' forms a dense, mound-like clump reaching 22 inches (55.9 cm) in height and 50 inches (127 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, where the blue-green leaf centers and white margins remain most pronounced. The scapes rise 20 to 30 inches (50.8 to 76.2 cm) above the foliage. This cultivar pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-tolerant perennials, and its medium size makes it suitable for border fronts or mass plantings.

Care Notes

Water regularly during dry periods, particularly in the first growing season. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, 'Trailblazer' is susceptible to slug and deer damage in typical hosta-growing zones.