Family: Hosta
Type: Perennial
Other Common Name: Plantain Lily, Funkia
Hosta ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ is a charming and miniature variety of hosta, well-known for its small, rounded leaves that resemble mouse ears. The leaves have a unique blue-green hue, adding a touch of whimsy to any garden.
This hosta variety is perfect for those looking to add a delicate, yet striking, element to their garden. It’s particularly well-suited for small spaces and containers.
It thrives in partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for areas under trees or in the shadow of buildings. Hardy in zones 3-8, ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ is a resilient and versatile plant.
Hardiness Zone: 2a-4a
Pet Friendly: Yes
Moisture Preference: Average to moist
Sun Needs: Partial shade to shade
Growth Rate: Slow
Average Height (feet): 1
Average Spread (feet): 1
Average Life Span (years): 10
Form: Over mound
Flower Color: Purple
Flower Shape: Tubular
Bloom Season: In mid summer
Foliage Color: Blue
Foliage Shape: Heart
Incorporating Hosta ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ into your garden adds a playful and elegant touch. Its compact size and unique foliage are sure to catch the eye.
This hosta is ideal for border fronts, rock gardens, or as an understory plant in shaded areas. It’s also perfect for container gardening, bringing charm to patios and balconies.
Despite its small size, ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ is a hardy plant that requires minimal maintenance. It’s an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
In a fairy garden, Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' contributes to the magical, miniature landscape. Its small size and whimsical shape fit perfectly with the fairy garden theme.
For rock gardens, this hosta adds a soft, lush contrast to the hard textures of rocks and stones. Its blue-green leaves enhance the natural beauty of rock settings.
In a cottage garden, 'Blue Mouse Ears' brings a touch of elegance and refinement. Its quaint appearance complements the informal, densely planted style of these gardens.
Plant it along pathways or garden borders for a subtle, yet beautiful, ground cover. Its compact growth habit makes it perfect for defining garden spaces.
Use it in shaded nooks or under tree canopies. Its tolerance for shade makes it an ideal choice for adding interest to often-overlooked garden areas.
Combine it with other shade-loving perennials for a diverse, textured look. Its unique foliage stands out among ferns, heucheras, and other hostas.
In spring, Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' emerges with its distinct blue-green leaves. The fresh foliage brings a vibrant start to the garden season.
During summer, it maintains its lush appearance and may produce lavender flowers. The blooms add a subtle charm to the already attractive foliage.
In the fall, the leaves of 'Blue Mouse Ears' begin to fade and prepare for dormancy. The plant's presence starts to recede, readying for winter.
In winter, this hosta variety goes dormant, retreating below the surface. While not visible, it's preparing for another year of growth in the spring.
Lamprocapnos spectabilis
Heuchera 'Georgia Peach'
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'
Hosta ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ should be planted in areas with partial to full shade. It’s perfect for spaces under trees or on the north side of buildings, where sunlight is filtered.
This hosta variety thrives in partial to full shade, with some morning sun being beneficial. Too much direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves.
It prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Enriching the soil with organic matter can improve growth and leaf color.
Space these plants about 12 inches apart. This spacing allows each hosta to spread out and grow to its full potential without overcrowding.
The ideal time to plant Hosta ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ is in the spring or early fall. This timing allows the plants to establish roots without the stress of extreme temperatures.
Dig a hole slightly deeper than the root ball and twice as wide. Place the hosta in the hole, fill with soil, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
Water regularly, especially during the first growing season, to establish a deep root system. Hostas prefer consistently moist soil but can tolerate some drought once established.
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage vibrant foliage and healthy growth.
Pruning is typically not necessary. Remove any dead or damaged leaves as needed to maintain the plant’s appearance.
Remove any debris from around the plants in spring and apply a layer of mulch. Begin regular watering and fertilizing as new growth appears.
Keep the soil moist during summer. If the plant produces flowers, deadhead them after blooming to keep the foliage looking its best.
Reduce watering as the plant prepares for dormancy. Clean up any fallen leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' goes dormant in winter. Ensure it is well-mulched to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.
Hosta 'Guacamole'
Hosta 'Patriot'
Hosta 'Fire and Ice'
Hosta ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ is a small variety, typically growing to about 6-8 inches in height and spreading up to 12 inches.
Like most hostas, ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ is not deer resistant. It may require protection in areas where deer are a problem.
This hosta variety prefers shade and may not thrive in full sun. Excessive sunlight can lead to leaf burn and faded colors.
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