Plantain Lily Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd'
ABOUT
Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' is particularly noted for its distinctive foliage. The leaves are large and deeply cupped, shaping into what resembles a drinking gourd, which is where the plant gets its name. Each leaf is puckered with heavy texturing and exhibits prominent veining which adds to the sculptural quality of the plant. The leaves present a deep blue-green color, giving them a thick, waxy appearance that can add a lush, cooling effect to any garden space. During the flowering period, the Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' produces tall flower scapes that rise above the foliage mound. The flowers are bell-shaped and typically a soft lavender in color, adding a light, decorative touch to the bold statement of the leaves. These blooms are attractive to pollinators, such as bees and hummingbirds, and add an extra layer of interest to the plant's profile. Overall, the contrast between the heavy, rolling foliage and the delicate, airy flowers creates a captivating visual impact in garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Hosta, Funkia
Common names
Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' does not have any synonyms; the basic scientific name provided is the valid name for this cultivar.
ToxicityTo humans
Hostas, generally speaking, are not considered highly toxic to humans. While they are not meant for consumption, accidental ingestion typically results in mild symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Severe poisoning is unlikely, but it is always advisable to seek medical attention if any part of the plant is ingested, particularly for children or individuals with sensitive systems.
To pets
Hostas are known to be toxic to pets, especially dogs and cats. If your pet ingests part of a Hosta plant, they might exhibit symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and in more severe cases, depression. It is important to take your pet to a veterinarian if you suspect they have ingested any part of a Hosta plant to ensure they receive proper care.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Blue-green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
3 feet (90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive foliage: Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' features uniquely cupped and heavily corrugated leaves that add a distinctive texture to garden landscapes.
- Shade-tolerant: This variety of hosta thrives in shaded areas of the garden, making it ideal for spaces where other plants may struggle due to lack of direct sunlight.
- Drought-resistant: Once established, this hosta is quite tolerant of dry conditions, though it performs best with regular watering.
- Easy to care for: Hostas are known for being low-maintenance plants, requiring minimal care beyond the occasional watering and dividing every few years.
- Attracts wildlife: The flowers of the hosta can attract pollinators such as bees, and the foliage can host butterflies and hummingbirds.
- Seasonal Interest: This perennial provides visual interest from spring to fall, with its foliage changing color over the seasons.
- Versatile landscaping use: Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' can be used in a variety of garden settings such as borders, groundcover, or as a focal point in a shade garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Water Collection for Wildlife: Due to its deeply cupped leaves, the Hosta can collect and hold water which can provide a drinking source for small wildlife such as birds and insects.
- Mood Enhancing Scenery: The intriguing shape and texture of 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' can create visually calming spots in gardens, enhancing the overall mood and aesthetic.
- Photography Subject: The unique foliage of this Hosta can serve as an interesting subject for garden photographers, especially after a rain.
- Educational Tool: Gardening enthusiasts can use this variety to demonstrate the diversity within species, teaching about cultivar development and genetic variation.
- Soil Erosion Control: Planted in groups, these plants can help stabilize soil in areas prone to erosion due to their dense root system.
- Garden Sculpture Complement: The sculptural leaves of the Hosta can complement man-made garden sculptures, blending natural and artistic elements.
- Leaf Casting Projects: The textured and large leaves of the Hosta are perfect for creating concrete leaf castings, often used as decorative garden stepping stones or wall hangings.
- Theme Gardens: Because of its distinct appearance, 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' can be a standout addition to themed gardens, such as a 'blue' garden using plants with blue-toned foliage.
- Winter Interest: In regions where the leaves die back but light snowfall occurs, the remaining leaf structures can capture snow, creating captivating winter shapes in the garden.
- Living Mulch: The broad leaves can suppress weed growth when the plants are grown close together, reducing the need for additional mulching materials.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hosta is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hosta is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Hostas, also known as Plantain Lilies, often symbolize resilience and toughness due to their ability to thrive in shade and less-than-ideal soil conditions.
- Devotion: The lush foliage of the Plantain Lily can represent a gardener's devotion to their garden, as hostas require care to protect from pests such as slugs.
- Self-Reflection: The cupped shape of the 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' leaves might symbolize introspection or looking inward, as the leaf creates a vessel for collecting water.
- Solitude: Given their preference for shade, Plantain Lilies might carry a symbolic meaning of solitude or the enjoyment of peaceful, quiet spaces.
WaterFor the Hosta, commonly known as plantain lily, it is essential to maintain consistently moist soil, especially during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about an inch of water, which roughly translates to about half a gallon for an average-sized plant. During hot or dry spells, increase watering frequency to twice a week, ensuring that the plant receives a total of about one gallon of water per week. Be careful not to overwater, as standing water can lead to root rot. In cooler months or when rainfall is plentiful, reduce watering to prevent excessive moisture.
LightPlantain lilies prefer a spot with partial to full shade, especially in the afternoon when the sun is most intense. They thrive under the dappled light of a tree canopy or on the north side of buildings where they can be protected from the harsh midday sun. Direct morning sunlight is tolerable and can help to bring out the coloration in the leaves, but they should be shielded from strong afternoon rays to avoid leaf scorch.
TemperaturePlantain lilies grow well in a wide range of temperatures, typically from 50°F to 85°F. They can survive temperatures down to around 30°F, but below this, they risk damage from frost. The ideal growing conditions for the plant lie within the range of 60°F to 75°F, which promote healthy foliage and root growth. High temperatures combined with direct sun can stress the plant and should be avoided.
PruningPruning plantain lilies is primarily for aesthetic reasons and to remove any damaged or diseased foliage. The best time to prune is in the late fall or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back the spent leaves and flower stalks to the ground using clean, sharp shears. Pruning can be done annually, as fresh foliage will emerge each year. Removing old foliage helps to maintain a tidy appearance and may reduce the risk of pest and disease issues.
SoilThe best soil mix for the plant commonly known as Hosta should be well-draining, moisture-retentive, and rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite or vermiculite is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.5 to 7.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingHostas, including the 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' variety, do not need frequent repotting and can typically be repotted every 3 to 5 years. It is best to repot in the early spring before the plant resumes active growth.
Humidity & MistingHostas, such as the 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd,' prefer average to high humidity levels. They thrive in environments where the humidity level is above 50%, which helps maintain their lush foliage.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Hosta in bright, indirect light, ensure high humidity, and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant Hosta in dappled shade, enriched moist soil, and protect from afternoon sun.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd', commonly known as Hosta, begins with seed germination, although gardeners often propagate it through division. Following germination, the plant enters a vegetative stage, producing broad, lush, blue-green, cupped leaves that can hold water, hence the name "Drinking Gourd." It establishes a strong root system and foliage growth in the spring and early summer. By mid to late summer, it produces tall flower stalks with bell-shaped white or lavender flowers, which can attract bees and hummingbirds. After blooming, the plant sets seed, though the seeds are not commonly used for propagation. Hostas die back to the ground in winter, but their root systems remain alive, and they will re-sprout from these roots come spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring to early summer
The Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd', more commonly known simply as Hosta, is best propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. This technique should ideally be performed in the spring or early fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire Hosta clump, maintaining as much of the root system as possible. Using a sharp spade or knife, divide the plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least two or three shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant these divisions immediately at the same depth they were previously growing, watering them in well to help establish the newly created plants.
