This gentle shade giant looms over the garden bed with a mound of huge, bumpy, blue-gray leaves that brighten to green with summer heat and sun. Plumes of elegant white flowers rise from the foliage in early to mid summer.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Humpback Whale'

Common Name: Humpback Whale Hosta

Garden Size: 36 inches tall by 72-84 inches wide; scape height 48 inches

Growth Rate: Moderate

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Enormous, heart-shaped, blue-green leaves with a corrugated texture and moderately cupped shape. The leaves are bluest in spring and become more green as they mature.

Flowers: Near-white, bell-shaped flowers that grow on scapes above the foliage. Blooms early to mid 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: I-1 (Giant Leaved, Green)

Parentage: Unknown