Hosta hybrid 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd'

The flowers of Abiqua Drinking Gourd attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, while the dense foliage provides cover and shelter for small insects and wildlife. The plant’s thick, slug-resistant leaves help deter common garden pests.

Emerges in spring with dramatic, deeply cupped blue-green leaves – flowers appear mid to late summer – foliage remains attractive until frost in fall.

Shaded garden beds, woodland gardens, shade borders, under trees, containers, foundation plantings, groundcover in moist shade

The standout feature of Abiqua Drinking Gourd is its large, deeply cupped, and corrugated blue-green leaves. Each leaf holds its shape, giving the plant a unique architectural appearance. The thick, textured leaves are slug-resistant and retain their blue-green color throughout the season. The leaves form a dense, mounded clump, creating a bold focal point in shady gardens.

• Flowering Season: Midsummer (July to August).
• Flower Description: In midsummer, Abiqua Drinking Gourd produces tall scapes that rise above the foliage, bearing clusters of white, bell-shaped flowers. The delicate, fragrant blooms provide a lovely contrast to the bold leaves and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

• Planting Time: Plant in early spring or fall when temperatures are cool, allowing the roots to establish before summer heat or winter frost.

• Soil: Abiqua Drinking Gourd prefers well-drained, rich, moist soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Amending the soil with compost or organic matter improves soil texture and fertility.

• Spacing: Space plants 36-48 inches apart to allow for their mature spread and to create a lush, full look in the garden.

Remove spent flower scapes after blooming to keep the plant looking neat. In late fall, cut back the foliage to ground level after it dies back for the winter. New growth will emerge in spring.

Abiqua Drinking Gourd thrives in consistently moist soil but is also somewhat drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil evenly moist. Mulching around the base helps retain soil moisture and reduce watering frequency.

Partial shade to full shade. Abiqua Drinking Gourd performs best in partial to full shade, making it ideal for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and areas under trees. It can tolerate some morning sun, but avoid harsh afternoon sunlight, which can cause the leaves to scorch.

While hostas are not typically grown for harvest, some gardeners collect seeds from the small pods after flowering (late summer to early fall) – however, seed-grown plants often vary from the parent cultivar – foliage should not be cut back until it yellows naturally in late fall.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or apply compost around the base of the plant to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as compost or shredded bark, around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Mulching also protects the shallow roots from temperature fluctuations.

• Winter Care: Abiqua Drinking Gourd is fully hardy in USDA Zones 3-9 and does not require special winter protection. In colder climates, mulching helps insulate the roots during freezing temperatures.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: This hosta is generally resistant to pests and diseases, with its thick, corrugated leaves providing excellent protection against slugs. Ensure good air circulation and proper watering to prevent any potential issues such as crown rot or fungal diseases.

The flowers of Abiqua Drinking Gourd attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. No special pollination care is required, and the plant will reliably bloom each year without intervention.

Ferns, Astilbes, Brunnera, Heuchera, Tiarella, Pulmonaria, Bleeding Heart (Dicentra), Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa), and other shade-loving perennials – all complement hosta's textured blue-green foliage and thrive in similar moist, shady conditions.