Hosta abiqua 'Drinking Gourd' - Marginal Pond Plants - BP045

Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' is a popular and striking cultivar of the Hosta species, known for its unique, deeply cupped and ruffled leaves. It is a shade-loving perennial that adds a dramatic texture and form to garden borders, woodland gardens, and shaded areas.

Description

Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' typically grows to a height of 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) with a spread of 60–90 cm (24–36 inches). The plant features large, rounded leaves with deep, pronounced cupping and wavy edges, which create a distinctive, bowl-like shape. The leaves are a rich, dark green with a slightly glossy finish, providing a lush, textured appearance.

In midsummer (June to July), this Hosta produces tall flower stalks that rise above the foliage, bearing pale lavender or light purple bell-shaped flowers. While the flowers are attractive, they are secondary to the plant's unique foliage.

Growing Conditions

Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' thrives in full shade to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It is ideal for shaded garden areas, under trees, or in woodland settings where it can receive indirect light.

It performs best in slightly acidic to neutral soil and is very tolerant of different soil types, including clay and loamy soils. However, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods, as Hostas are not drought-tolerant.

Hardy in temperate climates, including the UK, this plant is frost-tolerant and returns reliably every year.

Propagation and Care

Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' can be propagated by division or by offsets:

• Division: In early spring or autumn, carefully divide the plant by digging it up and separating the roots into smaller sections, ensuring each section has roots and shoots. Replant the divisions in well-prepared soil.
• Offsets: As the plant matures, it may produce offsets or baby plants around its base, which can be separated and replanted.

Routine care includes:

• Keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Applying mulch around the base to help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.
• Removing spent flowers to maintain the plant’s neat appearance.
• Cutting back old foliage in late autumn to tidy up the plant and prepare it for the next growing season.

Uses

Ornamental:
Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' is an excellent choice for shady garden borders, woodland gardens, or underplanting shrubs and trees. Its unique foliage adds texture and structure to these areas, and it pairs well with other shade-loving plants such as Ferns, Astilbe, and Heuchera.

Container Planting:
Its compact size and attractive foliage make it an excellent choice for containers or patio gardens, where it can be placed in shaded spots.

Ground Cover:
Due to its spreading habit, this Hosta can be used as a low-maintenance ground cover in shaded garden areas, where it will fill in spaces with its lush foliage.

Ecological Value

Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' supports pollinators, particularly bees, with its lavender flowers. It also provides shelter for small insects and wildlife, adding to the overall biodiversity of the garden.

Considerations

• Moisture Needs: Hostas, including 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd,' need consistent moisture to thrive. Be sure to water regularly, especially during hot or dry spells, as they are not drought-tolerant.
• Light Preferences: While it tolerates partial shade, this plant performs best in full shade, where it can avoid the stress of direct sunlight, which may scorch the leaves.
• Slugs and Snails: Hostas are prone to slug and snail damage. Regular checks and the use of slug control methods can help prevent significant damage.

Summary

Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' is a striking and distinctive perennial that adds drama and texture to shady garden spaces. With its unique, cupped foliage, dark green color, and tall flower stalks, it is perfect for creating an elegant focal point in woodland gardens or shaded borders. Low-maintenance and resilient, this Hosta is ideal for areas where moisture-loving plants are needed, making it an excellent choice for shade gardens and containers.

Why Choose Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd'?

Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' is a unique and striking perennial known for its large, deeply cupped, and heavily textured leaves that form a bold, mounding clump. With its rich blue-green foliage and upright growth habit, this cultivar brings both elegance and structure to shaded gardens, woodland settings, and container plantings.

1. Large, Cupped, Blue-Green Leaves

• The leaves of Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' are large, deeply cupped, and rich blue-green in color, creating a bold and textured effect in garden beds.
• The distinctive, wavy edges of the leaves add further visual interest and contribute to its dramatic appearance.

2. Elegant, Upright Growth Habit

• This Hosta forms an upright mound, growing to a medium height, and retains its compact, dense form throughout the growing season.
• Its unique shape makes it ideal for creating focal points in shaded or woodland gardens, as well as for adding structure to borders.

3. Thrives in Shaded and Moist Conditions

• Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' thrives in partial to full shade, making it perfect for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or areas under trees and shrubs.
• It prefers moist, well-drained soils and performs best in consistently damp conditions, making it ideal for low-maintenance, shaded areas.

4. Low Maintenance and Hardy

• Once established, Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' is a hardy perennial that requires minimal care.
• It is resistant to pests like deer and rabbits, making it a great choice for gardens with wildlife activity.

5. Wildlife-Friendly

• The lush foliage of Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' provides shelter for small creatures, such as insects and amphibians, enhancing the biodiversity of shaded garden areas.
• Its subtle blooms, though not particularly showy, attract pollinators, adding to its wildlife-friendly value.

6. Versatile Garden Use

• Perfect for shady borders, woodland gardens, or container plantings, where its striking foliage creates visual interest and texture.
• Pairs beautifully with other shade-loving plants like ferns, astilbes, or hostas of different colors and textures to create a layered, lush garden display.

Key Features

• Height: 45–60 cm (18–24 inches)
• Flowers: Pale lavender to white flowers on tall stems, blooming in mid to late summer
• Foliage: Large, deeply cupped blue-green leaves with wavy edges
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
• Light: Partial to full shade

Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' is a distinctive and elegant addition to any garden, offering both beauty and structure. Its unique foliage and low-maintenance nature make it a perfect choice for adding texture and interest to shaded garden spaces.