Hosta Praying Hands

Amazing...the 2011 Hosta of the Year! Perhaps we should call this the un-hosta, since Hosta 'Praying Hands' is the most un-hosta-looking hosta to ever hit the market. Each small, 2' wide clump is composed of strangely folded, dark green crinkled leaves, each with a narrow, creamy yellow border. Indeed, a clump resembles a multitude of hands folded in prayer. Due to First Amendment restrictions, it cannot be planted near courthouses in Alabama or near any Federal government building. The upright clumps are topped with 18" spikes of light lavender flowers...a hummingbird treat in late summer. This sets a new standard for "unique" in the hosta world. Maintenance: 'Praying Hands' hosta, like most hosta lilies, needs little in the way of maintenance. Growing Conditions: In the garden, we find it needs a bit more sun than many hosta to perform its best, and it really responds well to good soil preparation with lots of compost. Soils that are kept evenly moist will produce far nicer plants that garden soils that are allowed to dry out for long periods. Hosta 'Praying Hands' is often a bit slow to establish due to the smaller leaf area, but in time will develop into a dense, outstanding specimen. Natural Impacts: We have found that butterflies seem particularly attracted to the flowers of 'Praying Hands' hosta, compared to all other hostas we've trialed.