The ‘Blue Angel’ Hosta is a popular perennial known for its striking blue-green foliage and large size, making it a favored choice for shaded garden areas. Its impressive presence and relatively straightforward care contribute to its widespread appeal.
Choosing the Right Spot and Planting
The ‘Blue Angel’ Hosta thrives in dappled shade or morning sun, protected from intense afternoon sun to preserve its distinctive blue coloration and prevent leaf scorch. Ideal spots include areas under deciduous trees, along north-facing walls, or in shaded garden beds.
The soil should be well-drained, rich in organic matter, and have a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.5). Amending heavy clay soils with compost improves aeration and drainage, while sandy soils benefit from organic matter for moisture retention. When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, ensuring the crown sits at soil level. Given their mature size (up to 3 feet tall and 6 feet wide), space ‘Blue Angel’ Hostas 3 to 4 feet apart for ample growth and air circulation. After placement, backfill with amended soil and water thoroughly to settle the plant and eliminate air pockets.
Daily Care Essentials
Consistent moisture is important for ‘Blue Angel’ Hostas, especially during dry spells. Deep watering once or twice a week is generally sufficient, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Leaf color indicates light issues: greener leaves suggest too much shade, yellowing suggests too much sun. Water directly at the soil level to prevent washing off the blue powdery coating that gives them their unique color.
Apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch, such as pine needles or shredded bark, around the plants to conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Leave a small gap around the plant’s crown to prevent rot. In early spring, fertilize with a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer to support vigorous growth and foliage development. Spread fertilizer around the drip line, avoiding direct contact with the crown. Remove spent flower stalks (deadheading) and any yellowing or damaged leaves to maintain the plant’s tidy appearance throughout the growing season.
Managing Pests and Diseases
‘Blue Angel’ Hostas can encounter specific pests. Slugs and snails are common, leaving irregular holes in leaves. Control methods include hand-picking them, using slug baits with iron phosphate, or setting up beer traps. Voles tunnel and feed on crowns, while deer browse foliage; use repellents or physical barriers to manage these larger pests.
Crown rot, a fungal issue, can occur in poorly drained soils, leading to a mushy base and wilting foliage. Improve soil drainage, ensure proper spacing for air circulation, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal problems. Promptly remove and dispose of any infected leaves away from the garden to minimize disease spread. Early identification of symptoms, like discolored spots or mottled leaves, allows for timely intervention.
Winterizing for Success
Preparing ‘Blue Angel’ Hostas for winter dormancy ensures their return in spring. After the first hard frost, when foliage has yellowed and collapsed, cut back dead leaves to within a few inches of the ground. This removes potential hiding spots for overwintering pests and fungal spores, contributing to a healthier start next season.
In colder regions, apply a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves or straw, over the plant’s crown for insulation against fluctuating temperatures and to prevent frost heave. Container-grown ‘Blue Angel’ Hostas need winter protection. Move pots to an unheated garage or shed, or insulate containers outdoors, to prevent the root ball from freezing solid, as hostas require a period of cold but not extreme freezing in their root zone to thrive.
Dividing Your Blue Angel Hosta
Dividing ‘Blue Angel’ Hostas helps manage size, rejuvenate older plants, and propagate new ones. The best times for division are early spring, as new “eyes” or shoots emerge, or early fall, about six weeks before the first hard frost. Dividing in early spring is often easiest because emerging growth clearly indicates where to make cuts, and the plant has the entire growing season to establish new roots.
To divide, carefully dig up the entire clump, retaining as much of the root system as possible. Once unearthed, use a sharp spade or sturdy knife to separate the clump into smaller sections. Each new division should have at least three or four “eyes” (buds) and a healthy portion of roots for successful establishment. Replant divisions immediately at the same depth as the original plant, then water thoroughly to settle the soil around the newly transplanted roots.