This cultivar is one of the
Tardiana-type hostas which was the result of a
cross of H. 'Tardiflora' ×
H. 'Elegans'
by Eric Smith of
England in the 1960s. It was registered by
Peter Ruh of Ohio on behalf of Smith in 1990. The mount grows
into a large size hosta about 18 inches in
height by 46 inches in width. Its leaves are oblong-ovate,
slightly wavy, slightly corrugated and have thick substance. In
August, it bears pale lavender flowers followed by viable seeds.
This cultivar is part of the "Dorset
Series" of hostas. According to
The Hostapedia by Mark Zilis (2009), "...one of four seedlings saved by
Eric Smith from his original cross of 'Tardiflora' × H. '
Elegans'. Like the other three, it was selected for
its thick substance, rich blue-green color, and good growth
rate. It continues to be a virtual unknown, however, even to
most hosta collectors."
The New Encyclopedia of Hostas by
Diana
Grenfell (2009) states: "Leaves are truly dark blue in cooler climates; in
hotter climates they are considered to be dark blue-green...Although
slow to establish, it can easily exceed its registered dimensions. A
good breeding plant."
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