An Eric Smith Masterpiece — Deep Atlantic Blue in a Slow-Growing Collector's Hosta
Eric Smith originated Hosta 'Nordatlantik', crossing H. 'Dorset Clown' with H. 'Dorset Flair' to create this intensely blue-green collector's cultivar. Heinz Klose introduced it to the trade, and Peter Ruh registered it in 1997 under the name 'Nordatlantik' — also known as H. 'North Atlantic'. The large, cordate leaves carry 16 vein pairs and a distinctly dull, matte surface on both sides that deepens the blue-green intensity. Clumps grow slowly to 35.6 cm (14") tall and 77.5 cm (30.5") wide, making patience a worthwhile virtue. Canadian gardeners from Zone 3 through 9 will find it a rewarding long-term garden investment.
-
Intensely blue-green: One of the deepest, most saturated blue-green hostas available — a matte, dull surface on both sides amplifies the colour intensity.
-
Eric Smith pedigree: Originated by the legendary British hybridizer Eric Smith from two of his own Dorset crosses — rare collector's provenance.
-
Large cordate leaves: Leaves reach 25.4 cm (10") long × 21.6 cm (8.5") wide with 16 vein pairs and a broad cordate base.
-
Slow and deliberate: A slow-growing cultivar that rewards patience — clumps build to 77.5 cm (30.5") wide over time, becoming more impressive each season.
-
Pale lavender blooms: Short tubular flowers appear on scapes just 17.8–20.3 cm (7–8") tall, sitting low within the foliage canopy.
| Feature |
Specification |
| Size (H × W) |
35.6 cm × 77.5 cm (14" × 30.5") |
| Hardiness Zone |
3–9 |
| Colour |
Intensely blue-green, matte surface |
| Light Requirements |
Partial to full shade |
Grower's Tip: 'Nordatlantik' handles Canadian winters with ease from Zone 3 through 9 — its blue-green colouration actually intensifies in the cooler, shadier conditions that define a Canadian spring. We grow it at our nursery in Bécancour, QC, where slow growers like this one are given the time they need to reach their full potential. Our True to Type standard means you receive the authentic Eric Smith selection — verified before it leaves Bécancour.
