Hosta Blue Mouse Ears (Plantain Lily)

Rich in many qualities, Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' (Plantain Lily) is a small and adorable perennial forming an open mound of horizontal, thick, nearly round, rich blue-green leaves, up to 3 in. long (8 cm). Racemes of striking, rich violet, bell-shaped blooms, adorned with lavender stripes, appear in midsummer, rising on pale green scapes 8 in. long (20 cm). Reasonably pest tolerant, the compact size and moderate growth rate of 'Blue Mouse Ears' make it an excellent subject for containers and small gardens.

• Recipient of multiple awards, including the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society and the American Hosta Growers 2008 Hosta of the Year award.
• Easy grower, this clump-forming perennial grows 6 in. tall (15 cm) and spreads 12 in. (30 cm).
• Performs best in part shade to full shade in fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Shelter from cold, dry winds.
• Perfect for the shade garden, mixed with other perennials in bed and borders, city gardens, cottage gardens or containers. Great for edging or underplanting shrubs and roses.
• Watch for slugs and snails which could damage the attractive foliage.
• Cut off the stems after blooming to encourage the plant's growth. Discolored leaves should be trimmed back to the ground.
• Propagate by division in early spring or late summer.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.