Troubleshooting
Hosta 'Blue Angel' problems — and how to fix them
Hosta 'Blue Angel' (Hosta 'Blue Angel') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Slug and snail damage
Severely disfigures the large leaves; iron phosphate pellets, nematode treatments (Phasmarhabditis), or copper barriers are the most reliable controls.
Hosta virus X (HVX)
Causes mottling and blue-green ink bleeds; no cure exists — remove and destroy affected plants immediately and disinfect tools.
Blue colour fade
Wax bloom responsible for the blue colour is irreversibly damaged by sun exposure; site carefully in shade from the outset.
Crown rot
Waterlogged conditions rot the crown; ensure soil drains freely and do not plant too deep.
Deer browsing
Deer readily eat hosta foliage; fencing or deer repellent sprays may be needed in rural gardens.
Prevent hosta 'blue angel' problems before they start
Most hosta 'blue angel' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Hosta 'Blue Angel' problems — FAQ
Why is my hosta 'blue angel' slug and snail damage?
Severely disfigures the large leaves; iron phosphate pellets, nematode treatments (Phasmarhabditis), or copper barriers are the most reliable controls.
Why is my hosta 'blue angel' hosta virus x (hvx)?
Causes mottling and blue-green ink bleeds; no cure exists — remove and destroy affected plants immediately and disinfect tools.
Why is my hosta 'blue angel' blue colour fade?
Wax bloom responsible for the blue colour is irreversibly damaged by sun exposure; site carefully in shade from the outset.
Why is my hosta 'blue angel' crown rot?
Waterlogged conditions rot the crown; ensure soil drains freely and do not plant too deep.
Why is my hosta 'blue angel' deer browsing?
Deer readily eat hosta foliage; fencing or deer repellent sprays may be needed in rural gardens.