Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears'

Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' is an herbaceous perennial and a diminutive cultivar of the genus Hosta, named for Nicholas Thomas Host, a 19th century Austrian physician and botanist. The plant forms a symmetrical, ornamental mound of foliage composed of blue-green to gray-green leaves uniquely heart shaped and curled to resemble mouse ears. Flowers appear in mid-summer on thick pale green scapes measuring 8 to 12 inches tall. The flowers are racemes of bell-shaped blooms of rich violet with lavender stripes. 

The plant requires partial to deep shade and evenly moist, well-drained, neutral to acidic soils high in organic matter. Established plants tolerate dry shade (particularly plants with thick leaves), but soils should never be allowed to dry out.The plant needs to be protected from the wind to prevent damage to its leaves.  It is propagated by division, which may be done once every 3 to 5 years in the spring or fall. 

'Blue Mouse Ears' was named Hosta of the Year in 2008 by the American Hosta Growers Association. The parentage of this cultivar is unknown.

In their native habitat, hostas are typically found in woodlands and glades. Thus, 'Blue Mouse Ears' would be a great addition to an Asian, cottage, pollinator, or shade garden. It may also be grown in a container. Its uniquely colored foliage, heart-shaped leaves, and miniature size add variety to a landscape. Planted in mass, it could easily serve as coverage for dying bulb foliage.

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom:  Mid-summer         Foliage:  Spring, Summer, and Fall

Quick ID Hints:

• miniature, compact, clumping-forming habit
• thick, rounded, blue-green to gray-green leaves with a cordate base
• each leaf curls in the shape of a mouse's ear
• flowers are racemes of bell-shaped blooms of rich violet with lavender stripes

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for snails, slugs, and nematodes among the leaves. Deer enjoy the foliage. Leaf spot and crown rot rarely occur. Plants may become infected with the Hosta Virus X, tobacco rattle virus, or tomato ringspot virus. If any of these are detected, the plant should be removed and destroyed. Voles may destroy the plant by eating the roots. Hail storms may damage exposed leaves. This plant is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. 

More information on Hosta.