Highly cupped and quilted leaves characterize this unique hosta. The cool blue-green foliage is topped in summer with clusters of pure white flowers.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd'

Common Name: Abiqua Drinking Gourd Hosta

Garden Size: 18 inches tall by 36 inches wide; scape height 22 inches

Growth Rate: Most hostas have a moderate to fast growth rate.

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Large, round, cupped blue-green leaves with a corrugated texture. The thick foliage is somewhat resistant to slugs.

Flowers: White tube-shaped flowers grow on scapes just above foliage. Blooms June to July.

Plant Origin: East Asia, primarily Japan and Korea. Most commercially available hostas are hybrids.

Wildlife Support: Hummingbirds and some bees enjoy the flowers. A favorite treat for our local deer.

Fertilizing: Apply compost in early spring before new growth emerges.

Pruning: Remove spent flower stalks to encourage new growth; trim back damaged or yellowing leaves as needed. Leave the leaves over the winter and wait until early spring to clean up.

ASPCA Toxicity flags (see their site for details): Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Uses: Ideal for shade gardens, woodland borders, and container plantings. AHS Classification: III-2 (Medium Leaved, Blue)

Parentage: H. 'Tokudama' x H. sieboldiana

Notes: Named when the breeder saw his dog drinking water from the cupped leaves.

AHGA Hosta of the Year 2014