The ‘Elvis Lives’ Hosta is a popular choice for gardeners seeking a distinctive shade perennial. Its unique foliage provides visual interest and a robust presence, adding texture and color to shaded garden areas. It is also favored for its relatively low maintenance requirements once established.
Identifying Features of ‘Elvis Lives’ Hosta
The ‘Elvis Lives’ Hosta is recognized by its unique characteristics. Its lance-shaped to oval leaves are dusty blue-green or powder blue, shifting to green by mid-summer. They feature distinctive wavy or rippled edges, often described as having a “blue suede” appearance, hinting at a slightly shiny top with a glaucous bloom underneath. The foliage forms an upright or fountain-like mound.
This hosta reaches a mature height of 18 to 21 inches, with a spread of around 36 to 60 inches. Individual leaves can measure up to 11 inches long and 4 inches wide. In early to mid-summer, ‘Elvis Lives’ produces tubular, bell-shaped flowers in shades of medium or soft lavender. These blooms emerge on leafless stalks, called scapes, which rise above the foliage mound, reaching about 22 to 24 inches tall.
Ideal Growing Conditions
To ensure the ‘Elvis Lives’ Hosta thrives, providing appropriate growing conditions is beneficial. This hosta prefers partial to full shade, with morning sun or dappled light. It is important to avoid hot, dry locations or intense afternoon sun, as this can lead to leaf scorching and damage. Consistent moisture is important for the plant to achieve its full size and quality form.
The plant flourishes in evenly moist, organically rich, and well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. While established plants can tolerate some dry shade, the soil should not completely dry out. ‘Elvis Lives’ Hosta is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Watering should be deep and applied directly to the soil, especially during dry periods, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Over-watering or standing water can harm roots. Newly planted hostas benefit from bi-weekly watering for the first month, transitioning to about once a week for established plants.
Applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges supports lush foliage. Alternatively, a balanced granular fertilizer like 10-10-10 or 5-5-5 can be applied every six weeks during the growing season. Yearly additions of compost around the plant can enrich the soil and provide nutrients. A 2-3 inch layer of mulch helps conserve soil moisture and regulate temperature, but it should be kept away from the plant’s base to prevent rot.
Dividing mature clumps can be done in spring or autumn, with early spring being the easiest time before the leaves unfurl. This practice helps rejuvenate older plants and manage their size. In late fall or early spring, cutting back dead foliage to ground level prepares the plant for winter dormancy and encourages fresh growth in the spring.
Managing Pests and Diseases
‘Elvis Lives’ Hosta can encounter certain pests and diseases. Slugs and snails are common pests, creating jagged holes in leaves. Strategies to manage them include:
- Hand-picking
- Creating physical barriers with materials like crushed eggshells or copper tape
- Using organic baits containing ferric phosphate
- Removing decaying plant matter around the hosta
Deer and rabbits also eat hosta leaves.
Hosta Virus X (HVX) is a viral disease causing mottled leaves, spots, and wrinkling. There is no cure; infected plants should be promptly removed and destroyed to prevent spread. Other issues include foliar nematodes (interveinal browning) and crown rot (yellow leaf edges, rotting stems). Prevent crown rot by ensuring good drainage and avoiding excessive moisture around the plant’s crown. Leaf spots, such as anthracnose, can also occur but are usually not fatal.