Hosta 'Praying Hands'

Hosta 'Praying Hands': Graceful Structure with a Sculptural Twist

Upright and architectural, Hosta 'Praying Hands' captivates with its narrow, tightly folded leaves that curve upward like a prayerful gesture. Each deep green leaf is edged in fine gold and accented with a subtle wave, offering a highly sculptural form unlike any other hosta. Lavender flowers emerge in late summer, rising above the distinctive foliage in elegant contrast.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 35–45 cm
• Spread: 60–70 cm, forming a narrow, upright clump
• Flower Colour: Lavender
• Flowering Period: Late summer
• Foliage: Deep green with thin golden margins; narrow, twisted, and cupped with an upright habit
• Sunlight Requirements: Partial to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, organically rich soil

Uses and Benefits: Hosta 'Praying Hands' is ideal for adding vertical interest and sculptural elegance to shaded beds, containers, or mixed hosta groupings. Its upright form and narrow leaves provide contrast against more rounded or spreading varieties, making it a natural focal point. The unique silhouette adds sophistication and surprise to formal and informal garden designs alike.

Companion Plants: Pair Hosta 'Praying Hands' with Heuchera 'Wildberry', whose rich purple leaves intensify the hosta’s green-gold tones. Add Athyrium 'Godzilla' to balance the vertical lines with broad, textural fern fronds. Ground the planting with Carex 'Blue Zinger', a cool-toned grass that brings cohesion and seasonal softness.

Care Instructions: Grow in partial to full shade in moist, fertile soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and mulch to retain moisture. Cut back old foliage in early spring. Divide every 3–4 years if needed to maintain vigour and tidy shape.

History: Hosta 'Praying Hands' was introduced by Jerry Mangino and has won multiple awards for its originality, including the American Hosta Growers Association’s Hosta of the Year in 2011. It remains one of the most distinctive cultivars in the genus.

Final Thoughts: With its sculptural elegance and upright poise, Hosta 'Praying Hands' brings meditative beauty and refined structure to the shaded garden—an unforgettable presence in any planting scheme.