Hosta Praying Hands

Description

Hosta Praying Hands is a cultivar of the Hosta plant, which is commonly known as plantain lily. It is a herbaceous perennial that grows up to 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide. The plant is known for its unique foliage that resembles hands in a praying position, with long, narrow leaves that are dark green with creamy white margins. The leaves are also slightly twisted, giving the plant an interesting texture. This cultivar produces lavender flowers on tall scapes in midsummer, which add to its beauty. Hosta Praying Hands is a slow grower and takes a few years to reach its full size.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Hosta Praying Hands has unique foliage that is the main attraction of the plant. The long, narrow leaves are dark green with creamy white margins, and they are slightly twisted, giving the plant an interesting texture. The leaves grow up to 8 inches long and 2 inches wide. The plant grows in a dense mound and has a clumping habit. In midsummer, the plant produces lavender flowers on tall scapes that can reach up to 30 inches tall. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and add to the overall beauty of the plant. Hosta Praying Hands is a slow grower and takes a few years to reach its full size.

Care Guide

Hosta Praying Hands is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some guidelines for caring for this plant:

• Water: Hosta Praying Hands requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often during hot weather.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer. You can also fertilize the plant with a liquid fertilizer every month during the growing season.
• Soil: Hosta Praying Hands prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
• Sunlight: This plant prefers partial shade to full shade. It does not tolerate direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
• Hardiness Zones: Hosta Praying Hands is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9, which means it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.

Common Pests & Diseases

Hosta Praying Hands is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to the following:

• Slugs and snails: These pests can chew holes in the leaves of the plant. Use slug bait or copper tape to deter them.
• Fungal diseases: Hosta Praying Hands can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as anthracnose and powdery mildew. To prevent these diseases, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation around the plant.

Habitat

Hosta Praying Hands is native to Japan and Korea, where it grows in shaded areas in forests and along streams. In cultivation, it is grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Hosta Praying Hands be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Hosta Praying Hands can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots and the soil is well-draining.

Q: How often should I divide Hosta Praying Hands?
A: You can divide Hosta Praying Hands every 3 to 5 years to keep the plant healthy and vigorous.

Q: Can Hosta Praying Hands tolerate drought?
A: No, Hosta Praying Hands requires regular watering and cannot tolerate drought conditions.

Q: How do I propagate Hosta Praying Hands?
A: Hosta Praying Hands can be propagated by division or by taking stem cuttings in early spring.

Related Plants

• Hosta Blue Mouse Ears
• Hosta Golden Tiara
• Hosta June
• Hosta Patriot

References

• “Hosta ‘Praying Hands’.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=266908&isprofile=0&basic=hosta.
• “Hosta Praying Hands.” Plant Delights Nursery. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://www.plantdelights.com/products/hosta-praying-hands-perennial-plant.
• “Hosta Praying Hands.” Gardenia. Accessed September 1, 2021. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/hosta-praying-hands-plantain-lily.