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Blue Angel hosta

The Blue Angel hosta is a huge hosta variety with dark blue-grey leaves. The leaves of this popular hosta are over a foot long with a slightly rippled edge. Blue Angel hosta grows best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It prefers partial shade, although it can take some direct sunlight in the morning when ample moisture is available. This hosta can be grown in zones 3-9.

Introduction to the Blue Angel hosta

The Blue Angel hosta is a popular hosta plant known for its large blue leaves. It is a hardy perennial that can thrive in a wide variety of climates (zones 3-9). The Blue Angel hosta grows best in partial shade and moist soil and is also tolerant of hot temperatures.

Blue Angel is one of the largest blue-leaved hostas. Established plants can reach 5-6 feet wide and up to 3 feet high. The flowers are an ashen lavender color on tall, 4-foot-high stalks in midsummer.

Like most hostas, this classic hosta grows best in sandy loam soil. These plants can also grow well in clay soil but often take longer to grow to full size. Hostas prefer slightly acidic soil.

The blue angel hosta was bred by Florence Shaw of Weston, Massachusetts. The parentage of the variety is unknown, as hybridizing records were lost. It likely includes famous early giant hostas like ‘Goliath’ and ‘Elatior’ in its parentage. Florence Shaw was also the breeder of many other famous large hostas, including ‘Sum & Substance’, and ‘Sun Power’ (all of which were introduced into the American Hosta Society by Paul Aden).

Blue angel hosta plant

Where to plant Blue Angel hosta

Blue Angel hosta thrives in zones 3-9. They should be planted in an area that receives partial or full shade. Hostas grow best in well-drained sandy soil.

Sunlight requirements

Blue Angel hostas are not the most sun-tolerant variety and should be planted in a partial shade area. Shade in the afternoon is a must in any climate with a harsh, hot, afternoon sun. These hostas can be grown in partial sun in mild climates but will require quite a bit more water to thrive.

Soil requirements

Hosta plants grow well in sandy loam soil, allowing excess water to drain freely. Avoid planting them in low spots where water pools after rainfall. While they thrive in sandy loam, Blue Angel hostas tolerate clay soil. These large hostas will grow more slowly in dense soil but may not require feeding with fertilizer as often.

In terms of pH level, hostas grow best in slightly acidic soil. Do a soil test to learn the natural acidity of your soil. Hostas grow best in soil with a pH level of 6 (or close to it). Alkaline soil can be amended with an organic soil acidifier prior to planting and in the spring/fall to bring the acidity of the soil closer to optimal levels.

When to plant hostas

The best time to plant hostas is in the spring after the last frost has passed. You can also plant them in the fall, although they may not have as much time to establish themselves before winter.

How to plant hostas

Planting hostas is similar to planting most other perennials. Start by preparing the soil in your planting location. Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches. Add organic matter to the soil, such as compost or manure, and mix it well.

Next, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball. Gently remove the plant from its container and set it in the hole. Fill in the hole with soil, being careful not to bury the hosta’s crown (the point where the roots meet the stem). Water the newly-planted hosta well and mulch around the plant to help retain moisture.

Flower stalk of blue angel hosta

How to care for a Blue Angel hosta

Blue Angel hostas are relatively low-maintenance once established. They need to be watered regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. In nutrient-poor soils, they can be fertilized in the springtime.

Watering requirements for hostas

Blue Angel hosta is a low-maintenance plant that must be watered regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. The best way to water them is right at the soil level. Use a watering wand or a drip irrigation system to water the roots without getting the leaves wet. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the blue angel hosta to help retain moisture in the soil. Established hostas are quite drought-tolerant.

Fertilizing hostas

Fertilize your hostas in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer or compost. These plants do not need a lot of fertilizer, so be careful not to overdo it. Most fertilizers are granular or powdered slow-release organic products that are easy to sprinkle on the soil surface and water into the ground.

Pruning a hosta

First, make sure to clean up the plant early in the spring before new growth begins. Prune any dead or damaged leaves and stems left over from winter. Be careful not to damage the plant’s roots when pruning.

Pruning is minimal during the season. Just remove any yellowed, unsightly leaves if they are bothering you. However, hostas are pretty tolerant of just being left alone.

Late in the season, blue angel hostas will start to produce flowers on tall stalks. You can prune these off if you don’t want them or let them be for some extra winter interest. Just be sure to remove the dead flower heads in spring if you do leave them up over winter.

Cut back the entire hosta plant to the ground in the fall after the first hard frost. Remove the stems and leaves and compost them so they do not create a habitat for slugs and other pests right at the crown of the plant.

Pale lavender hosta flowers

Plant care tips for Blue Angel hosta

Weed the soil around the base of the Blue Angel hosta for the first few years as the plant grows and becomes established. This will lessen competition from weeds and allow the blue angel hosta to thrive. A good organic mulch like compost, hardwood mulch, or pine needles will also help keep weeds down.

Pests affecting hostas

Blue angel hosta can be affected by pests. Some common pests that affect Blue Angel hosta are slugs, snails, and aphids.

Slugs and snails attack hosta plants by eating the leaves. This can cause the leaves to become ragged and tattered.

Aphids attack blue angel hosta by sucking the sap from the leaves. This can cause the leaves to become yellow and stunted.

If you notice any of these pests on your blue angel hosta, you should take steps to control them. Some standard methods of pest control include using traps, removing the pests by hand, and spraying the plants with organic insecticidal soap.

Diseases affecting Blue Angel hosta plants

Some common diseases that affect hostas are fungal leaf spots, bacterial leaf spots, and viral diseases.

Fungal leaf spots are caused by fungal spores that land on the leaves of the plant. The spores spread and cause lesions (spots) on the leaves. This can cause the leaves to become discolored and mottled. The leaves may also start to fall off the plant. If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately remove and dispose of the affected leaves. You can also spray the plant with a fungicide to prevent the disease from spreading.

Bacterial leaf spots are caused by bacteria that enter the plant through wounds in the leaves. The bacteria cause lesions (spots) on the leaves. This can cause the leaves to become discolored and mottled. The leaves may also start to fall off the plant. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should remove the affected leaves and dispose of them. You can also spray the plant with a bactericide to prevent the disease from spreading.

Viral diseases are caused by viruses that infect the blue angel hosta plant. These diseases can be difficult to control because there is no cure for them. The best way to prevent viral diseases is to avoid introducing them into your garden in the first place. You should only buy Blue Angel plants from reputable nurseries and garden centers. You should also avoid sharing tools and equipment with other gardeners who may have virus-infected plants.

Mary Jane Duford
Mary Jane Duford

Mary Jane Duford is a quintessential Canadian gardener. An engineer by trade, she tends to an ever-expanding collection of plants. In her world, laughter blooms as freely as her flowers, and every plant is raised with a dash of Canadian grit.

Mary Jane is a certified Master Gardener and also holds a Permaculture Design Certificate. She's also a proud mom of three, teaching her little sprouts the crucial difference between a garden friend and foe.

When she's not playing in the dirt, Mary Jane revels in her love for Taylor Swift, Gilmore Girls, ice hockey, and the surprisingly soothing sounds of bluegrass covers of classic hip-hop songs. She invites you to join her garden party, a place where you can share in the joy of growing and where every day is a new opportunity to find the perfect spot for yet another plant.

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