A Hazy Horizon of Vertical Blue
Bev and Dave Stegeman introduced Hosta 'Smoke Signals' as an elite cultivar prized for its rare upright, vased silhouette. It grows to 45–55 cm (18–22") high and 70–100 cm (28–39") wide in a medium-to-large mound. The narrow, wedge-shaped leaves point skyward and carry an exceptionally heavy glaucous wax that delivers a sophisticated smoky blue-grey colour. It thrives reliably across Canadian gardens from Zone 3 through 9. Near-white flowers rise on tall, sturdy scapes in summer, echoing the plant's strong vertical energy.
-
Foliage: Narrow, wedge-shaped leaves with a heavy glaucous wax bloom; smoky blue-grey colour that holds well through the season — a rare combination of form and finish.
-
Habit: Distinctly upright, vased silhouette that adds height and structure to shady borders — uncommon among blue hostas of this size.
-
Slug Resistance: Thick, leathery leaf substance from its sieboldiana heritage makes it a tough target for pests.
-
Flowers: Near-white blooms on tall, sturdy scapes in summer; mirrors the plant's vertical character.
-
Size: 45–55 cm × 70–100 cm (18–22" × 28–39") — medium to large, upright mound.
-
Hardiness: Zones 3–9 — dependable across Canadian climates coast to coast.
| Feature |
Specification |
| Size (H × W) |
45–55 cm × 70–100 cm (18–22" × 28–39") |
| Hardiness Zone |
3–9 |
| Colour |
Smoky blue-grey; near-white flowers |
| Light Requirements |
Partial to full shade |
Grower's Tip: 'Smoke Signals' handles Canadian winters with ease from Zone 3 through 9, and filtered light or afternoon shade helps preserve its signature waxy blue-grey coating through the summer heat. We grow it at our nursery in Bécancour, QC, where we wait for the characteristic upright wedge form and smoky blue emergence before it leaves our care. Our True to Type standard means you receive the authentic Hosta 'Smoke Signals', verified before it leaves Bécancour.
