Hosta Praying Hands (Plantain Lily)

Unlike any other hostas, Hosta ‘Praying Hands’ (Plantain Lily) forms an upright mound of narrow, tightly folded, dark olive green leaves resembling hands folded in prayer. Heavily rippled, the satiny leaves are very shiny underneath, revealing their glossy undersides when they fold. They are adorned with a very narrow, golden-yellow margin.

Unlike any other hostas, Hosta 'Praying Hands' (Plantain Lily) forms an upright mound of narrow, tightly folded, dark olive green leaves resembling hands folded in prayer. Heavily rippled, the satiny leaves are very shiny underneath, revealing their glossy undersides when they fold. They are adorned with a very narrow, golden-yellow margin. Abundant bell-shaped, lavender flowers appear in late summer, rising on scapes 18 in. long (45 cm). An unusual and very interesting foliage plant.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 14-18 in. tall (35-45 cm) and 12-16 in. wide (30-40 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 or containers
  • Attracts both hummingbirds and songbirds
  • 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, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 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 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 16″ (40cm)
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
Attracts Birds, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden