This one-of-a-kind hosta looks like a multitude of hands raised in prayer. Its long, folded green leaves are bordered by thin yellow margins, and an upright form invites ground-hugging plants to shelter around its base. Looks especially nice in containers.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Praying Hands'

Common Name: Praying Hands Hosta

Garden Size: 14-18 inches tall by 12-30 inches wide; scape height 12-30 inches

Growth Rate: Moderate

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding, Upright

Foliage: A dense clump of narrow, elongated, and folded leaves with an unusual upright growth habit. The green leaves are bordered by very thin yellow margins. Their folded shape gives the plant the appearance of many hands folded in prayer.

Flowers: Pale lavender, bell-shaped flowers grow on scapes just 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: IV-5b (Small Leaved, Yellow Margined, Green to Blue Center)

Parentage: Unknown

Notes: AHGA Hosta of the Year 2011