Hosta 'Humpback Whale'

Hosta 'Humpback Whale': A Majestic Giant of the Shade

Impressive in both scale and form, Hosta 'Humpback Whale' makes a commanding presence with its massive, blue-green leaves that arch gracefully to form a broad, cascading mound. The foliage is heavily textured and held horizontally, giving the plant a wide, domed silhouette reminiscent of its namesake. Pale lavender flowers appear in mid to late summer, rising above the foliage with understated elegance.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 80–90 cm
• Spread: 150–180 cm, forming a massive, mounded clump
• Flower Colour: Pale lavender
• Flowering Period: Mid to late summer
• Foliage: Large, heart-shaped, blue-green leaves with heavy texture and strong horizontal spread
• Sunlight Requirements: Partial to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter

Uses and Benefits: Hosta 'Humpback Whale' is a dramatic focal point in large shaded borders, woodland gardens, or beside water features where its size and silhouette can be appreciated. Its bold foliage anchors plantings and provides architectural contrast to finer textures and smaller forms. Despite its size, it’s low maintenance and long-lived, bringing dependable structure and cooling colour to shade compositions.

Companion Plants: Pair Hosta 'Humpback Whale' with Brunnera 'Jack Frost', whose silver-mottled foliage sparkles beneath the hosta’s broad leaves. Add Dryopteris 'Eastern Wood Fern' to bring texture and layered greenery to the understory. Finish the scene with Calamagrostis brachytricha, a graceful ornamental grass whose airy plumes and arching form provide softness and movement.

Care Instructions: Plant in rich, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Water deeply during dry periods to support its large foliage. Clean up spent leaves in early spring and divide only when necessary, as this hosta takes time to reach its full grandeur.

History: Hosta 'Humpback Whale' is a large-leaved seedling selected by Jim Anderson of Winterberry Farms. Its impressive size, strong blue colour, and unique arching form have earned it recognition among collectors and designers alike.

Final Thoughts: Towering and tranquil, Hosta 'Humpback Whale' delivers a serene sense of scale and presence—a living sculpture for shady retreats that rewards the patient gardener with grandeur and grace.