Abiqua Drinking Gourd Hosta

Where to Plant

• Sunlight: Aim for a location that receives only 2 to 3 hours of gentle early morning sun or bright, filtered shade all day. Hot, direct afternoon sun is the enemy here; it will quickly "melt" the coveted blue wax coating on the leaves, turning them a less desirable greenish color, and can cause leaf scorch.
• Soil: Hostas demand rich, loamy soil with excellent drainage. If you have heavy clay, incorporate a generous amount of well-aged compost and pine fines to lighten the structure, which is critical since the crowns will rot in perpetually soggy soil.

Watering Requirements

During the first season of establishment, ensure the plant receives consistent moisture, sometimes watering daily or every other day during dry spells to help roots spread. Once mature, 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' needs about one inch of water per week, especially during the heat of summer, as it is not highly drought tolerant. Inconsistent watering will result in smaller leaf size and dry, browning leaf edges, stressing the plant and making it more susceptible to pests.

Pruning Tips

This plant is grown for its magnificent foliage, so pruning is simple maintenance. Once the light lavender flowers fade, cut the flower scapes (stalks) off at the base to redirect the plant’s energy back into creating a bigger crown and more leaves, and to prevent non-true seedlings. You can remove any yellowing or damaged leaves anytime; otherwise, cut all foliage back to the ground after the first hard frost when the leaves turn to mush.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, granular, slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, just as the new pips are emerging from the ground in early spring. Alternatively, a top dressing of well-rotted leaf mold or compost provides a slow feed all season long. What to avoid: Skip using a high-nitrogen liquid fertilizer late in the summer, as this encourages a final flush of tender, soft growth right before dormancy that will be vulnerable to winter kill.