Product Description
Hosta 'Humpback Whale' (20)ct Flat
‘Humpback Whale’ forms a massive, dome-shaped mound of blue-green, corrugated, heart-shaped leaves. Its color is bluest in the springtime. Blue-green scapes carry near-white, bell-shaped flowers in early summer.
Mildred Seaver was known among hosta enthusiasts as the “Queen of Hostas”. In her lifetime, she registered 95 new varieties including: ‘Spilt Milk’, ‘Queen of the Seas’, and ‘Komodo Dragon’.
Until recently, this giant sized hosta from the late Mildred Seaver was never commercially available. In fact, it was once auctioned off for $725 at a fundraiser! Now you can be one of the special few to own this fantastic hosta.
Height: 3.0 Feet
Spread: 7.0 Feet
Scape Height: 4.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: White shades
Foliage Color: Blue shades
Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early Summer
Attracts Hummingbirds
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Foliage, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting
Hosta 'Humpback Whale' is a giant hosta cultivar that makes a big splash in the shade garden with its massive size and dramatic, dome-shaped mound of foliage. It is named after the majestic humpback whale for its impressive stature and is a favorite among hosta enthusiasts for its bold presence. Here is a closer look at this remarkable cultivar:
Appearance:
- Giant, Textured Leaves: 'Humpback Whale' forms a massive mound of thick, blue-green, heart-shaped leaves with a heavily corrugated, seersucker-like texture. The leaves can reach up to 18 inches long and 15 inches wide, creating a truly impressive display.
- Near-White Flowers: In early summer, it produces near-white, bell-shaped flowers on tall, blue-green scapes (stalks) that rise above the foliage, adding vertical interest.
- Dome-Shaped Mound: It forms a distinctive dome-shaped mound of foliage, typically reaching about 3 feet tall and 7 feet wide at maturity.
Growing Conditions:
- Shade: Thrives in partial shade to full shade. It prefers some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent the leaves from scorching.
- Moist Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Hardiness Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3-9, making it a versatile choice for many gardeners.
Care:
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
- Mulching: Mulching around the plant helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Dividing: Divide clumps every few years in spring or fall to maintain vigor, although it can take many years to reach its full size.
Uses:
- Shade Gardens: Creates a dramatic focal point in shade gardens.
- Specimen Plant: Its impressive size and form make it an outstanding specimen plant.
- Background Plant: Can be used as a background plant in borders, adding height and texture.
- Woodland Gardens: Adds a touch of grandeur and lushness to woodland gardens.
Additional Information:
- Giant Size: 'Humpback Whale' is one of the largest hosta cultivars available, making a bold statement in the landscape.
- Slug Resistance: Its thick, textured leaves offer some resistance to slug damage.
- Parentage: It was hybridized by Mildred Seaver, a renowned hosta breeder often referred to as the "Queen of Hostas."
If you are looking for a hosta that will make a big impact with its giant size and bold texture, Hosta 'Humpback Whale' is an excellent choice. It is a truly remarkable addition to any shade garden.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
