Looking like a blown glass sculpture or a cluster of eagerly raised hands, this sturdy sport of 'Praying Hands' features upright, folded green leaves with gold edges. If you're hunting for something unusual, 'Hands Up' is the hosta you've been looking for.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Hands Up' PP 23989

Common Name: 'Hands Up' Hosta

Garden Size: 12-20 inches tall by 24 inches wide; scape height 18-20 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): Compact, Upright Mound

Foliage: Long, twisted, upright green leaves decorated with yellow margins. Compared with its parent, H. 'Praying Hands', 'Hands Up' grows in more compact clumps and has thicker, waxier leaves.

Flowers: Lavender, bell-shaped flowers grow on scapes above the foliage. Blooms mid to late summer.

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: Not registered

Parentage: Tetraploid sport of H. 'Praying Hands'