Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' - Plantain Lily, Pond Edge & Border Plan

Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' is a hosta that holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Its dark blue-green, heavily puckered leaves have a waxy bloom and curve upwards into a deep cup, which gives it its name. White flowers appear in midsummer.

'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' at a glance

Botanical name	Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd'
Common name	Plantain lily
Plant type	Clump-forming perennial; dies back in winter
Height and spread	About 40 cm tall, up to 50 cm wide
Flowers	White, in midsummer
Position	Part shade, sheltered
Soil	Moist but well-drained clay or loam; any pH
Pond depth	None – damp soil, not standing water
Hardiness	RHS H7 – very hardy (below -20°C)
Native to	Garden hybrid (not UK native)

Is this hosta a pond plant?

No. It is a plant for damp borders and the drier edge of a bog garden, not for wet mud or water. Plant it in moist but well-drained soil near the pond.

Where to plant it

A sheltered, part-shaded border near a pond
North- or east-facing beds
Moist but well-drained soil, out of standing water

How to plant and care for it

Plant from spring to late summer. Protect the leaves from slugs and snails, and watch for vine weevil in pots. It may be susceptible to hosta virus.

Is it poisonous to pets?

Yes. The ASPCA lists hostas as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, causing vomiting and diarrhoea, so keep pets from chewing it.

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.