Hosta 'Halcyon'

'Halcyon' hosta is an herbaceous perennial in the Asparagaceae (asparagus) family and a cultivar in the Tardiana Group of hostas. This cultivar has flat, blue-green, spear-shaped leaves and is grown for its beautiful foliage. It is considered one of the best blue hosta cultivars, retaining the leaf color longer than other varieties.  

This plant will grow in full sun or deep shade but prefers moist, well-drained soil. It will reach up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide.

Use it as a mass planting in a border front or along a walkway or sloped area. Tuck it into the small spaces in a courtyard or around a patio or pool. It takes the dense shade of understory planting in woodland gardens, giving some blue contrast in dark areas of the landscape. Plant in a cutting garden or pollinator garden where you can enjoy visits by hummingbirds.  

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.

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

More information on Hosta.