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Hosta ‘Humpback Whale’ (Plantain Lily)

Plantain Lily 'Humpback Whale', 'Humpback Whale' Hosta

Hosta 'Humpback Whale',  Plantain Lily 'Humpback Whale', 'Humpback Whale' Hosta, Giant Hosta, Blue Hostas, Shade perennials, Plants for shade
Hosta 'Humpback Whale',  Plantain Lily 'Humpback Whale', 'Humpback Whale' Hosta, Giant Hosta, Blue Hostas, Shade perennials, Plants for shade

Among the largest hostas, ‘Humpback Whale’ (Plantain Lily) is an outstanding perennial forming an impressive, dome-shaped mound of thick, corrugated, heart-shaped, frosty blue-green leaves. Dense racemes of bell-shaped, near-white flowers appear in early summer, rising on bluish-green scapes 48 in. tall (120 cm). This giant hosta is a wonderfully good background plant and a favorite among gardeners, but less so with slugs! An outstanding focal point and topic of conversation in your shade garden!

  • Grows up to 36 in. tall (90 cm) and spreads 7 ft. (210 cm).
  • Performs best in part shade to full shade in fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Shelter from cold, dry winds.
  • This foliage plant is perfect for the shade garden, mixed with other perennials in beds and borders, city gardens, cottage gardens.
  • Watch for slugs and snails, which could damage the attractive foliage.
  • Cut off the stems after blooming to encourage the plant’s growth. Discolored leaves should be trimmed back to the ground.
  • Propagate by division in early spring or late summer.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Asparagaceae
Genus Hosta
Common names Plantain Lily, Hosta
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 6' - 7' (180cm - 210cm)
Spacing 84" (210cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Full Shade
Attracts Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Hosta ‘Fragrant Bouquet’ (Plantain Lily)
Hosta ‘Abiqua Drinking Gourd’ (Plantain Lily)
Hosta ‘Silver Bullet’ (Plantain Lily)
Hosta ‘Blueberry Muffin’ (Plantain Lily)
Hosta ‘Queen Josephine’ (Plantain Lily)
Hosta ‘White Feather’ (Plantain Lily)

Recommended Companion Plants

Galium odoratum (Sweet Woodruff)
Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) ‘Hillside Black Beauty’ (Baneberry)
Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’ (Japanese Sedge)
Astilbe ‘Fanal’ (Arendsii Hybrid)
Astilbe

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Prevent Slugs and Snails from Feasting on your Hostas
Miniature and Very Small Hostas for Gardens and Containers
Pretty Hostas Tolerant of Sun
Striking Blue Hostas for Gardens and Containers
Hostas for Warmer Climates
Award-Winning Hostas
Hosta (Plantain Lily)
Great Hostas as Companion Plants for Azaleas and Rhododendrons
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Asparagaceae
Genus Hosta
Common names Plantain Lily, Hosta
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 6' - 7' (180cm - 210cm)
Spacing 84" (210cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Full Shade
Attracts Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Hosta
Guides with
Hosta
Not sure which Hosta to pick?
Compare Now

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