Epic Blue Wave Hosta

The 'Epic Blue Wave' Hosta is a medium-to-large perennial known for its striking, deeply wavy blue-green leaves that form an attractive, mounding clump, evoking the look of crashing waves. 

Characteristics

• Foliage: The leaves are blue-green in spring, becoming a shiny green as their natural wax coating fades in the summer. They are pointed, slightly folded, and have moderate to nice corrugation, providing excellent texture and "movement" to the plant.
• Size: This cultivar reaches a mature size of approximately 20 inches in height and 36 inches in width.
• Flowers: Pale lavender flowers bloom in mid-to-late summer (July into August) on scapes that can reach up to 28 inches tall.
• Hardiness Zone: It is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9.
• Origin: The cultivar was registered in 2019 by Charlie Kwick and is a cross that includes the Hosta 'Blue Umbrellas' variety. 
  

Care and Maintenance

• Light: The 'Epic Blue Wave' Hosta thrives in partial to full shade, with morning sun or dappled light being ideal. Too much direct sun can cause the leaves to turn green more quickly, losing their distinctive blue hue.
• Soil: It grows best in rich, fertile, and well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter, such as decayed manure or compost. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain too much water.
• Watering: Consistent moisture is important, especially during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid constantly soggy conditions to prevent crown rot.
• Pests: Hostas can be susceptible to slugs, deer, and rabbits. Use pet-safe slug baits or animal repellents as needed. The 'Epic Blue Wave' has good leaf substance, which can help deter some pests.
• Maintenance: Apply a layer of mulch (2-3 inches of shredded leaves or bark mulch) around the plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Remove spent flower stems after blooming to keep the plant looking tidy. In the fall, once the foliage has died back, clear the leaves to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering.