Product Description
Hosta 'Praying Hands' (Williams 1996) (25) Bare Root Plants
- Small.
- Dark green with heavily rippled, narrow,
- twisted, shiny, leaves with thin gold margin.
- very upright, vertical habit with moderate growth rate.
- Upright, tightly folded leaves resemble hands clamped in prayer.
- Leaves have a matte finish above but are folded, revealing their shiny undersides.
- So unusual, you might not think its a Hosta.
- Some like it, some won't because it is different, maybe weird or is it elegant?
Parentage: Unknown, It was purchased as an unknown plant from a nursery!!
American Hosta Growers' Association Hosta of the Year -- 2011
Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit -- 2012
Height: 14 - 18 Inches
Spread: 12 - 16 Inches
Scape Height: 18 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Purple shades
Foliage Color: Variegated
Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Summer
Attracts Hummingbirds
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Foliage, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting
Hosta 'Praying Hands' is a truly unique and captivating hosta cultivar that stands out from the crowd with its unusual upright form and folded leaves. It's a favorite among hosta collectors for its distinctive appearance and textural interest. Here is a closer look at its remarkable features:
Appearance:
- Upright, Folded Leaves: 'Praying Hands' has narrow, upright leaves that are tightly folded lengthwise, resembling hands clasped in prayer. The leaves are dark green with a very narrow gold margin and have a matte finish on the upper surface and a shiny underside, which is often visible due to the folding.
- Lavender Flowers: In late summer, it produces an abundance of lavender flowers on 18-inch scapes (stalks) that rise above the foliage.
- Compact Size: It forms a compact clump, typically reaching about 14 to 18 inches tall and 12 to 16 inches wide.
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.
Uses:
- Specimen Plant: Its unique form and upright habit make it an excellent specimen plant in a container or a special spot in the garden.
- Shade Gardens: Adds a vertical element and textural interest to shade gardens.
- Borders: Can be used as a border plant to add contrast and variety.
- Woodland Gardens: Blends beautifully into woodland gardens.
Additional Information:
- Unique Foliage: The upright, folded leaves of 'Praying Hands' are unlike any other hosta, making it a true standout in the garden.
- Slug Resistance: It exhibits good resistance to slugs due to its thick, textured leaves.
- Hosta of the Year: It was named Hosta of the Year in 2011 by the American Hosta Growers Association.
If you are looking for a hosta with a truly unique appearance, Hosta 'Praying Hands' is an excellent choice. Its upright form, folded leaves, and late-season flowers make it a captivating 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!
