Tony Avent of
Plant Delights Nursery in North Carolina
has a
knack for choosing unusual names for his introductions and 'Elvis
Lives' is no exception. It is a fast growing hybrid of H. 'Peter
Pan' × H. 'Green Fountain' that Tony registered in 1995. The plant forms a large size (18 inches high
by 40 inches wide) mound
blue-green leaves that become dark green by mid-summer. Pale purple
flowers open from mid-July into August followed by viable seeds.
According to
The Hostapedia by
Mark Zilis (2009), "Several hybridizers have found it to be a useful
breeding plant, either as a pod or a
pollen parent."
The New Encyclopedia of Hostas by
Diana
Grenfell (2009) states: "Blue suede-like upper surface of the leaf is
apparent for longer in cooler climates. A moderate increaser."
In an article about hybridizing by
Tony Avent in
The
Hosta Journal (1996 Vol. 27 No. 1), Tony gives the
following comments on cultivars he has introduced: "H.
Elvis Lives' - first
plant that I have seen to put blue color into a leaf like H. 'Green Fountain'.
Some of our newer hybrids with this are truly stunning...creamy
edges...WOW!
...H. 'Outhouse Delight' is our biggest breakthrough, followed by H. 'Elvis Lives'. I am real
excited about a coming introduction, H. 'Old Yeller', a cross with
H. yingeri
and H. 'Sun Power'...pretty incredible...brilliant unique golden color, ruffled
leaves, yinger-like flowers...takes full sun...Oh, Baby!"
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