Hosta Blue Ivory

Hosta ‘Blue Ivory’ is a real shade-garden showstopper, loved for its striking, heart-shaped leaves in a cool blue-green tone with a bold, creamy-white margin. The contrast is crisp and elegant, and the foliage forms a neat, rounded clump that looks fantastic all season long. In summer, slender stems rise above the leaves carrying pretty, pale lavender flowers—a gentle bonus that pollinators appreciate too.

This is a brilliant choice for shady borders, woodland gardens, and containers, and it’s especially useful for brightening darker corners where many plants struggle. Despite its luxurious look, ‘Blue Ivory’ is a hardy, dependable perennial that returns bigger and better each year. It also has good substance to the leaves, making it a strong performer in UK gardens—just give it consistent moisture and a little protection from slugs and snails as the new shoots emerge.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant bare roots in autumn through to early spring while dormant, avoiding periods when the ground is frozen or waterlogged.

Where to Plant:
Choose a position in partial shade or dappled shade with moisture-retentive, fertile, well-drained soil. Hostas thrive in shade and are ideal for woodland borders, shady beds, underplanting, and containers. Avoid hot, exposed full sun which can scorch the leaves, especially the lighter margins.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant so the crown (growing point) sits about 2–5 cm below the soil surface.
• Spacing: Space 40–60 cm (16–24 inches) apart to allow the clump to develop.
• Soil Prep: Improve the planting area with well-rotted compost or leaf mould to help retain moisture and feed the plant.

Watering:
Water well after planting and keep the soil evenly moist during the first growing season. Hostas prefer consistent moisture, especially in spring and summer—mulching helps keep roots cool and reduces drying out.

Aftercare Tips:

• Mulch in spring with compost or well-rotted manure to retain moisture and boost growth.
• Water during dry spells to keep foliage lush and prevent stress.
• Remove faded flower stems and tidy up leaves in autumn as they die back.
• Protect emerging shoots from slugs and snails in spring for the best start.

Top Tip:
Hosta ‘Blue Ivory’ is a superb plant for adding instant contrast in shade. Pair it with ferns, Heuchera, Astrantia and Brunnera for a layered woodland look, and grow it in a pot near a doorway where you can admire the leaf colour up close.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:
July - August

Height:
18–24" (45–60cm) including flower stems (foliage mound typically 30–45cm)

Position:
Partial shade / shade

Hardy Perennial