Hosta 'Praying Hands' holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Its dark green leaves, with a narrow creamy-yellow edge and very shiny undersides, are heavily rippled and folded lengthwise, so they stand upright like hands in prayer. Pale lavender, bell-shaped flowers appear in summer.

'Praying Hands' at a glance

Botanical name Hosta 'Praying Hands'
Common name Plantain lily
Plant type Clump-forming perennial; dies back in winter
Height and spread About 40 cm tall and wide
Flowers Pale lavender bells in summer
Position Part shade, sheltered
Soil Moist but well-drained clay or loam; any pH
Pond depth None – not for wet or waterlogged ground
Hardiness RHS H7 – very hardy (below -20°C)
Native to Garden variety (not UK native)

Is a hosta a pond plant?

No. The RHS lists it for moist but well-drained soil only. It suits a shady border or the damp surround of a pond, but not standing water or waterlogged ground.

How to plant and care for it

Plant in part shade in a sheltered spot facing north, east or west. Protect it from slugs and snails, and watch for vine weevil in pots.

Is it poisonous to pets?

Yes, to pets. The ASPCA lists hostas as toxic to dogs, cats and horses; eating it can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.

Which size should I buy?

Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.

Pond depth: 0cm

Light: Part shade

Hardiness: Hardy

Height and spread: 20 - 40cm tall, 30 - 50cm wide

Planting and flowering months are shown in the calendar under the photos.

Bare root (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre, 3 litre): plants sent without a pot or compost, ready to plant straight away. The most economical way to plant a group.

Potted (9 cm, 1 litre, 3 litre): plants growing in our recycled, peat-free compost made in Lincolnshire. Larger sizes give a faster display.

Pack of 3 (7 cm bare-root, 9 cm bare-root, 1 litre bare-root, 3 litre bare-root): three plants of the chosen size at a lower price per plant.

2x Pot & Compost: two plants supplied with pots and compost.

Sizes shown with a line through them are currently unavailable.

At Lincs Plants, we strive to provide fast and reliable shipping to ensure your plants arrive in perfect condition. We offer 1-3 day shipping through a variety of dispatch methods to suit your needs.

Processing Time:
Orders are processed within 1 - 3 business day after payment confirmation. Orders placed on weekends or public holidays will be processed the next business day.

Shipping Methods:

  • Standard Shipping (1-3 days)
  • Express Shipping (1-2 days)

Should you have any questions or concerns about your shipment, feel free to contact us.