Blue Ivory Hosta

Hosta 'Blue Ivory'

Family: Hosta

Type: Perennial

Other Common Name: Plantain Lily, Funkia

Hosta ‘Blue Ivory’ is a striking perennial known for its beautiful foliage. Its leaves are a unique blue-green color, edged with a creamy white margin.

This variety is particularly prized for its color contrast and large, heart-shaped leaves. It adds a cool and calming presence to any garden space.

Hosta ‘Blue Ivory’ thrives in shade to partial shade, making it a perfect choice for darker areas of the garden. It’s hardy in zones 3-8, showing great resilience in various climates.

Needs & Preferences

Hardiness Zone: 3a-4a

Pet Friendly: Yes

Moisture Preference: Average to moist

Sun Needs: Partial shade to shade

Growth

Growth Rate: Medium

Average Height (feet): 1.5

Average Spread (feet): 2.5

Average Life Span (years): 10

Form: Over mound

Ornamental

Flower Color: Purple

Flower Shape: Tubular

Bloom Season: From early to mid summer

Foliage Color: Blue

Foliage Shape: Oval

Products That Feature This Plant

Landscaping Your Yard With Hosta ‘Blue Ivory’

Incorporating Hosta ‘Blue Ivory’ in your landscape brings elegance and a sense of tranquility. Its distinctive foliage provides excellent visual interest.

It’s ideal for creating a serene and inviting shade garden. The contrast of its leaves pairs beautifully with darker green plants or colorful flowers.

Once established, Hosta ‘Blue Ivory’ is low maintenance and drought-tolerant. Its adaptability to different soil types makes it a versatile choice for many gardeners.

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Suitable Garden Styles

Woodland Garden

In a woodland garden, Hosta 'Blue Ivory' flourishes under tree canopies. Its leaf color and texture complement the natural woodland setting.

Japanese Garden

For a Japanese garden, this hosta adds a sense of peace and balance. Its elegant form is in harmony with the minimalist and natural aesthetic of Japanese garden design.

Contemporary Shade Garden

In a contemporary shade garden, Hosta 'Blue Ivory' provides a modern touch. Its unique foliage color and pattern fit well with modern landscape designs focused on foliage and form.

Hosta ‘Blue Ivory’ Landscaping Ideas

Use it as a border plant in shaded garden beds. Its striking foliage creates a beautiful edge that defines garden spaces.

Plant it in clusters to create a focal point in shade gardens. The grouping of its blue and white leaves creates a cool, refreshing look.

Combine it with flowering perennials for textural contrast. Its leaves complement the blooms of shade-loving flowers, enhancing overall garden aesthetics.

Seasonal Interest

Spring

In spring, Hosta 'Blue Ivory' begins to emerge, showcasing its vibrant blue-green leaves. The fresh foliage brings life to the garden after winter.

Summer

During the summer, the plant reaches its full size, with the foliage maintaining its vivid color. It provides a cool, lush presence in the garden.

Fall

In the fall, Hosta 'Blue Ivory' starts to wind down. The leaves may change color slightly before dying back for the winter.

Winter

In winter, Hosta 'Blue Ivory' goes dormant. While the plant is not visible, it rests underground, preparing for the next growing season.

Companion Plants

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Planting Tips

Where to Plant

Hosta ‘Blue Ivory’ is best planted in shaded to partially shaded areas. It’s ideal for under trees or on the north side of buildings where it can be protected from intense sunlight.

Light

This hosta variety thrives in partial to full shade. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can scorch its delicate leaves and fade its vibrant colors.

Soil

Hosta 'Blue Ivory' prefers well-draining, fertile soil. It does well in slightly acidic to neutral pH soil enriched with organic matter.

Spacing

Space these plants about 24 to 36 inches apart. This allows each hosta enough room to reach its full size and prevents overcrowding, which can lead to disease.

When to Plant

The best time to plant Hosta ‘Blue Ivory’ is in the spring or early fall. Planting during cooler weather allows the roots to establish without the stress of summer heat.

How to Plant

Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Place the hosta in the hole, fill with soil, and water thoroughly. Ensure the crown is at soil level.

Plant Care Tips

Watering

Water regularly, especially in the first year after planting, to establish a deep root system. Hostas prefer consistently moist soil but can tolerate some drought once established.

Fertilizing

Fertilize Hosta ‘Blue Ivory’ in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. This encourages healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

Pruning

Pruning isn’t typically required. Remove dead or damaged leaves as needed to keep the plant looking tidy and healthy.

By Season

 

Spring Care

Clear any debris around the plant in spring and add a layer of mulch. Begin regular watering and fertilizing as new growth appears.

Summer Care

Keep the soil moist during summer, especially in dry periods. Monitor for pests like slugs, which are attracted to hosta leaves.

Fall Care

Reduce watering as the plant prepares for dormancy. Remove any fallen leaves to keep the area clean and disease-free.

Winter Care

Hosta 'Blue Ivory' is dormant in winter. Ensure it's well-mulched to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.

Plant Alternatives

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Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears'

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Hosta 'Fire and Ice'

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Guacamole Hosta

Hosta 'Guacamole'

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FAQ

How Big Does Hosta 'Blue Ivory' Get?

Hosta ‘Blue Ivory’ typically grows to about 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Its size makes it suitable for both small and large gardens.

Is Hosta 'Blue Ivory' Deer Resistant?

Hostas, in general, are not deer resistant. ‘Blue Ivory’ is attractive to deer and may require protection in areas where deer are a problem.

Can It Grow in Full Sun?

Hosta ‘Blue Ivory’ is not suited for full sun. Its leaves can burn and lose their vibrant coloration in too much direct sunlight.

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