Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' - Plantain Lily

Sizes available: 1 quart

Basics: zones 3-8, 8" x 12", part to full shade, happy place is high, light shade. Lavender flower spike over grey-blue leaves in mid summer, likes a medium amount of moisture in acidic, woodland soil. 

Common names: Plantain Lily, Funkia

Family: Asparagaceae

Origin/Distribution: Species Hostas hail from China, Japan, Korea, and the eastern edge of Russia. They have a special place in people's hearts. We could say they are the dogs of the plant world and just like dogs have been hybridized, selected, bred, and cross bred to create thousands of registered varieties. The American Hosta Society recognizes over 7,200. Plant Delights Nursery says that 'Blue Mouse Ears' is a mutation of 'Blue Cadet'.

Habitat: Species have a variety of habitats, but some shade and moisture are pretty consistent desires. They are found in rich woodlands, along forest margins, damp meadows and open grassland at higher elevations, on moss-covered trees (H. venusta), in peat bogs (H. alismifolia), on stream banks and swamps (H. kiyosumiensis), and in mountainous forests (H. plantaginea). Some grow on steep slopes and in rock walls. 

More: In 2008, 'Blue Mouse Ears' was named Hosta of the Year by the American Hoasta Growers Association. Small hostas are great for containers and rock gardens. They also work well in the front of a shady border with other more diminutive partners such as Carex rosea, the smaller Alchemillas like alpina or erythropoda, Polygonatum humile, and Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila'. The minis are great for detailed floral work. I have found Hostas to be surprisingly drought tolerant once established. As with all Hostas, voles and deer may taste test and bees enjoy the flowers. Hostas are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. 

Source: Van Berkum

Image credits: Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder