Blue Mouse Ears Hosta

Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears'

Nature Hills Nursery

Adorable Curled Foliage Resembles Tiny Mouse Ears, Perfect for Container Gardens
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-8
Grows 1 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Purple Blooms From Early Spring to Late Spring
Great Choice for Mass Planting in Asian Gardens

$32⁷³

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This Hosta thrives in partial to full shade, ideally receiving only 2 to 4 hours of soft morning sun. Avoiding harsh afternoon light is essential because high heat and direct rays will bleach the signature blue color and scorch the leaf edges.
Soil: Aim for rich, organic soil that remains moist but allows excess water to drain away. If you are dealing with heavy clay, mix in compost or leaf mold to improve aeration so the roots do not sit in stagnant water and rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, provide about one inch of water per week to ensure the root system establishes properly. Mature plants are slightly more resilient but still require consistent moisture to maintain their thick, rubbery texture. If the soil stays dry for too long, the plant will show stress through stunted growth and browned leaf margins.

Pruning Tips

Cut the flower stalks down to the base of the plant once the lavender blooms have faded to redirect energy back into the foliage. In late autumn after a hard frost, remove all dead leaves to eliminate hiding spots for slugs and snails. Think of this as a seasonal haircut that keeps the crown clean and prevents disease from lingering over the winter.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as the new shoots, or pips, begin to poke through the soil. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because they stimulate soft new growth that is easily damaged by early autumn frosts. A single application in the spring is usually enough to support this slow growing miniature variety for the entire year.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

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Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Compact/Dwarf, Low Maintenance, Flowering, Container Friendly, Attracts pollinators, Drought resistant, Groundcover
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade, Shade
Height	1 ft
Width	1 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Compact
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Purple
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Plant Name	Hosta
Botanical Name	Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears'
Species	hybrid
Cultivar	Blue Mouse Ears
Class	Asparagales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Hostas are always welcomed additions to the home, but few exhibit the charm and coloring of Blue Mouse Ears Hosta (Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears'). This dwarf variety features thick, leathery leaves with the slightest, adorable curl. The petite leaves call to mind cute, little mouse ears (thus the name).

Blue mouse Ears' foliage is an endearing shade of blue-green that attracts the eye throughout the season and this petite Hosta even provides the added benefit of mid-summer flowers. Your Blue Mouse Ears Hosta is a herbaceous perennial that will grow in a tidy compact habit with densely growing clumps.

Dainty bells of lavender decorate the stems that rise up to one foot above the foliage in July, a visual treat as well as a welcome boon for Pollinators. If you're lucky, you might even see a curious Hummingbird checking out the scene. Don't mistake its small size for vulnerability though as this little gem has a hardy, easy-care nature. Cold and heat-tolerant throughout USDA growing zones 3 to 8 and forms a 6-8 inch tall mound that's about 12 inches wide.

Planting and Application:

Plant the low-growing little Blue Mouse Ears in your Rock Garden or scatter a few amid the nooks and crannies in your landscape that could still use a decorative touch! Or add them as an accent in your flower beds under the canopy of your backyard shade trees. Cottage gardens, shady Perennial borders gain cute little leaves, and of course, Mouse Ears look fantastic as a member of your very own Hosta garden!

Use these darling little foliage plants throughout shade gardens and beneath the shade of shrubs as facer plants and adorable skirting! Plant in large planters and containers beneath covered seating areas, porches, and balconies to keep Mouse Ears close by! Darling edging along the garden and pathway edges as pretty finishing touches!

Curled Blue-Green Little Leaves
Lavender Bell-Shaped Blooms on Short Scapes
Pollinator Friendly & Hummingbird Nectar
Dwarf Hosta Forms Dense Short Mounds
Edging, Containers, Specimens & Unique Texture

#ProPlantTips for Care:

These Hosta are low-care and highly adaptive to a variety of soils and does best in full to part shade and full shade in hotter climates since too much sun will burn the leaves. These perennials grow best in moist, well-drained, highly organic soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Sandy loam is better than clay because it provides more aeration for the roots. Keep areas around Hostas clear of excess leaf debris to reduce the presence of slugs and snails. They do best with a 3-4 inch thick layer of mulch chips to help hold in moisture. Deadhead as soon as the blooms fade, and prune back the foliage once it dies back in the fall. They appreciate being divided every 3-5 years.

Best in Full Shade in Hot Climates & Part Sun/Shade In All
Moderate Consistent Moisture
Enriched Well-Drained Soils
Prune In Late Fall
Very Easy to Grow & Cold/Heat-Tolerant

It's easy to see why Blue Mouse Ears Hosta once won "Hosta of the Year". It simply doesn't get more loveable than a Hosta that reminds people of mouse ears! Terrific color, a size that fits almost anywhere and an adaptive nature make this a must-have. Order yours today at Nature Hills to finish your seasonal gardening projects!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Blue Mouse Ears Hosta suitable for?

Blue Mouse Ears Hosta thrives in USDA zones 3-8, making it both cold and heat tolerant across most of the continental United States. This hardy perennial can handle temperature extremes while maintaining its compact 6-8 inch height. Plant it in partial to full shade for best results.

What is the mature size and height of Blue Mouse Ears Hosta?

Blue Mouse Ears Hosta forms a compact 6-8 inch tall mound that spreads about 12 inches wide. This dwarf variety grows in dense, tidy clumps and thrives in zones 3-8. Perfect for small spaces, containers, or edging where you need charming ground-level interest available at naturehills.com.

Does Blue Mouse Ears Hosta tolerate full sun or will it scorch?

Blue Mouse Ears Hosta prefers shade and will scorch in full sun. This dwarf variety thrives in zones 3-8 under tree canopies or in shady perennial borders. Plant it beneath shrubs or in areas that receive morning sun with afternoon shade protection.

What type of soil does Blue Mouse Ears Hosta prefer, and what pH level?

Blue Mouse Ears Hosta thrives in well-draining, organic-rich soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0. Like most hostas, it tolerates a range of soil conditions but performs best with consistent moisture and good drainage. Add compost to heavy clay soils to improve drainage in zones 3-8.

How do I plant Blue Mouse Ears Hosta and what is the recommended spacing?

Plant Blue Mouse Ears Hosta 12-18 inches apart in partial to full shade with well-draining soil. This dwarf variety forms 6-8 inch tall mounds about 12 inches wide, perfect for zones 3-8. Space multiple plants to allow for their mature spread while creating dense coverage.

Is Blue Mouse Ears Hosta slug-resistant?

Blue Mouse Ears Hosta has thick, leathery leaves that offer better slug resistance than thin-leaved hosta varieties. While not completely slug-proof, the sturdy foliage texture makes it less appealing to these pests. Plant in well-draining soil and consider organic slug deterrents for best protection.

What are the watering and care requirements for Blue Mouse Ears Hosta?

Blue Mouse Ears Hosta thrives with consistent moisture in well-draining soil and partial to full shade. This hardy perennial tolerates both cold and heat in zones 3-8, making it quite low-maintenance. Water regularly during dry spells and mulch around the 6-8 inch mounds to retain moisture.

Can Blue Mouse Ears Hosta be grown in containers or small spaces?

Blue Mouse Ears Hosta is excellent for containers, forming compact 6-8 inch tall mounds just 12 inches wide. This dwarf variety thrives in zones 3-8 and works perfectly in planters on porches or balconies. Place containers in partial to full shade for best results.

Does Blue Mouse Ears Hosta produce flowers, and what do they look like?

Yes, Blue Mouse Ears Hosta produces dainty lavender bell-shaped flowers in July on stems that rise about one foot above the foliage. These blooms attract pollinators and may even draw hummingbirds to your garden. Expect reliable flowering each summer in zones 3-8.

Blue Mouse Ears Hosta

Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears'