Hosta ‘Praying Hands’

Folded, Upraised Leaves Edged in Cream

The slightly crinkled texture adds to the unique look of this cultivar. At the top of every Hostaphile’s wish list, ‘Praying Hands’ is not commonly available, and we are pleased to be able to offer it this season. A completely unique cultivar, it sets its foliage straight up their stems, the sides folded inward toward the center and the entire leaf slightly crinkled, as if recently wrung out and hung to dry.

There is no other Hosta like it, and ‘Praying Hands’ deserves a special site in garden or container.The dark green leaves arise on dense, thick stems, arching only slightly outward but pointing up. Instead of spreading flat to reveal their elongated heart shape, the sides of the leaves are folded inward toward the center, giving this cultivar its name. And because the foliage is edged in a razor-thin layer of creamy-white, this unusual form shows off the edging to best advantage.

Reaching 14 inches high and about 18 inches wide, ‘Praying Hands’ is a stunning sight in the partly shaded garden or container. Late-summer blooms of lavender arise on long, slender stalks, but are insignificant enough to snip off — the foliage display is simply too impressive for distractions! The vertical veining on each leaf also bears cream highlights, giving the foliage a corrugated look that is most attractive.’Praying Hands’ was introduced by Gerald Williams in 1996.

Zones 3-8.