Hosta Abiqua Drinking Gourd (Plantain Lily)

Hosta ‘Abiqua Drinking Gourd’ (Plantain Lily) is a clump-forming perennial forming an open mound of thick, deeply cupped, rich dark blue leaves, 8 in. long (20 cm), strongly seersuckered and puckered. The depth of the leaf cupping can reach 4 in. (10 cm). The powdery gray underside of the leaves is often visible as a result of the cupping. White flowers appear just above the foliage in midsummer. This cultivar demonstrates good slug resistance.

Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' (Plantain Lily) is a clump-forming perennial forming an open mound of thick, deeply cupped, rich dark blue leaves, 8 in. long (20 cm), strongly seersuckered and puckered. The depth of the leaf cupping can reach 4 in. (10 cm). The powdery gray underside of the leaves is often visible as a result of the cupping. White flowers appear just above the foliage in midsummer. This cultivar demonstrates good slug resistance. The wonderful leaf color and unique leaf cupping make this blue hosta a very worthwhile garden plant.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Easy grower, this clump-forming perennial grows 18 in. tall (45 cm) and spreads 36 in. (90 cm).
  • Performs best in part shade to full shade in fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Shelter from cold, dry winds.
  • Perfect for the shade garden, mixed with other perennials in bed and borders, city gardens, cottage gardens. Great for underplanting shrubs and roses.
  • Watch for slugs and snails which could damage the attractive foliage.
  • Cut off the stems after blooming to encourage the plant's growth. Discolored leaves should be trimmed back to the ground.
  • Propagate by division in early spring or late summer.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 9

Heat Zones 2
– 9

Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Hosta – Plantain Lilies
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spacing 36″ (90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden