Hosta 'Praying Hands'

Hosta 'Praying Hands': Folded Leaves Standing Like a Sculpture

Narrow leaves folded so tightly and standing so upright, it looks like somebody told it to sit still for the family photo. This hosta HOLDS THE POSE all season long.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Hosta 'Praying Hands'
• Common Name: Plantain Lily, Hosta
• Height: 36–46 cm (14–18 in)
• Spread: 30–41 cm (12–16 in)
• Flowers: Lavender, on reddish stems about 46 cm (18 in) tall
• Bloom Time: Mid to late summer (late July to August)
• Foliage: Narrow, upright, tightly folded dark green leaves with wavy edges and a thin cream to white margin
• Features: Hosta of the Year 2011

Where to Plant: Its upright shape makes it a great contrast in a low, mounded planting, where it reads like a small sculpture. It shines in a container on a shaded patio, where you can see the folded leaves up close.

Companion Plants: Plant upright 'Praying Hands' in a moist, shady bed with pale blue lungwort, pink foamflower and pink bugbane. Pulmonaria 'Moonshine' opens pale blue bells at 20 to 25 cm in April and May. Tiarella 'Sugar and Spice' adds light pink foamflower spikes at about 20 cm in May and June. Cimicifuga 'Pink Spike' rises behind at 120 to 150 cm with fragrant pink spikes from August to October. Carex 'Bowles Golden' brings bright gold blades at 60 to 90 cm.

Plant Care: Plant in part sun to full shade, in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Morning sun is fine; protect it from hot afternoon sun. Water regularly through its first season and during dry spells. Deer and rabbits will eat hostas, so use a repellent or fencing if they visit. The folded leaves can hide slugs, so check the base of the clump in wet weather. Remove the flower stems once they fade and clear the foliage after a hard frost. Divide in spring when needed.

History: Gerald Williams of Minnesota registered 'Praying Hands' in 1996, and its parentage is not known, though hosta author Mark Zilis suggested it most likely arose as a sport of a Fortunei-type hosta. The American Hosta Growers Association named it Hosta of the Year in 2011.

Final Thoughts: Nothing else in the shade looks like this. Plant it where people walk by and watch them do a double take. SAY CHEESE.