Yes, black and blue hostas are very real. This is a registered cultivar that produces some of the darkest blue-green foliage you can grow in any shade garden. The name describes the deep, moody color of its thick leaves. There is no actual black pigment in the plant at all. If you love dark-toned hostas, this one should be on your must-have list.
In my experience, few hostas create as much visual drama as this one does. I first saw a mature clump at a garden tour in the Pacific Northwest. It sat under a canopy of Japanese maples, and the dark leaves made every lighter plant nearby pop. Ferns and gold hostas next to it looked brighter than they would on their own. That contrast is what makes this cultivar such a strong pick for your shady borders and woodland beds.
The Black and Blue hosta cultivar grows into a large plant over time. You can expect yours to reach about 22 inches (56 centimeters) tall. It will spread to around 40 inches (102 centimeters) wide once it matures. The leaves are thick and heart-shaped with a heavy waxy coating that gives them their dark tone. You get the best results when you plant it in a spot with solid shade cover. This wax layer holds up from spring into midsummer under those conditions.
You have several other dark blue hosta varieties to choose from if you want more depth in your garden. Blue Mammoth grows even larger with massive, corrugated leaves in a deep blue. Abiqua Drinking Gourd has cupped, puckered leaves that trap wax and hold their dark look for you all season. Big Daddy gives you thick, slug-resistant leaves with strong blue color that you can count on. Each one offers that same bold, dark feel in a slightly different shape and size.
When I first planted three of these along my shaded walkway, they looked small and sparse. They took about two full growing seasons to fill in and show their best color. Once they hit maturity, the clumps formed a solid wall of dark foliage that grounded the whole bed. White flower scapes shoot up in July and add nice contrast against those dark leaves. You can cut them off if you want to keep the focus on the foliage instead.
You can buy this variety at most garden centers in spring or through online nurseries year-round. Shop in April or May for the best stock with fresh wax on the leaves. Pick a spot in your garden with full to heavy shade. An hour or two of morning sun won't hurt your plants much. But afternoon sun will bleach the wax coating and turn those dark leaves a dull green by midsummer.
Place your plants toward the back of a border or along a path where you give them room to spread. Pair them with gold hostas, white astilbe, or silver brunnera to make the dark foliage stand out. You want companions that create strong contrast against those deep blue leaves. A grouping of three plants spaced about 36 inches (91 centimeters) apart gives you a dense, dramatic mass once they fill in.
Water at soil level to protect the wax on every leaf. Add 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) of mulch around each plant to keep your soil cool and moist. Your clumps will reward you with richer, darker color each year as they grow. This cultivar is one of the best options you can pick for building a shade garden that draws the eye and holds your attention.
Read the full article: Blue Hosta Varieties and Growing Guide
