perennial RHS Award

Abiqua Drinking Gourd Hosta

Hosta fortunei 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd'

The Story

Plant Bio

Large, deeply ribbed leaves that create a unique, appealing appearance.

The leaves are cup-shaped, which hold water and give a distinctive look.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesHostas provide lush foliage and shade, adding texture and color to shady gardens.
Practical UsesThey thrive in low-light conditions, making them ideal for under trees or shaded patios.
Ecological BenefitsHostas attract beneficial insects and provide habitat for garden wildlife.
SpeciesHosta fortuneiFortune's Hosta, Fortune's Plantain Lily

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Many years with proper care

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a shady spot with well-drained, rich soil for planting.
  2. Tuck young plants into the ground in early spring after the last frost.
  3. Water thoroughly to establish roots, keeping soil consistently moist.
  4. Apply organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  5. Divide clumps every 3–4 years in early spring or fall to rejuvenate plants.
  6. Mist foliage during dry periods to prevent leaf scorch and maintain lushness.

Pro Tip

Plant hostas in dappled shade for best foliage color and health.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote growth
  • Mulch annually to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
  • Divide clumps in spring or fall to maintain vigor

Don't

  • Avoid direct, harsh sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
  • Don’t let soil dry out completely, especially in summer
  • Refrain from over-fertilizing, which can cause weak, floppy leaves
  • Don’t forget to remove dead or damaged foliage to encourage healthy growth

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Divide
Fertilize
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shady woodland borderSilver-foliaged groundcoverElegant container plant

Companion Plants

AstilbeFerns HeucheraJapanese painted fern Ligularia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Abiqua Drinking Gourd Hosta questions

What zones can Abiqua Drinking Gourd Hosta grow in?

Abiqua Drinking Gourd Hosta is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Abiqua Drinking Gourd Hosta deer resistant?

Yes — Abiqua Drinking Gourd Hosta is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Abiqua Drinking Gourd Hosta bloom?

Abiqua Drinking Gourd Hosta typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Abiqua Drinking Gourd Hosta need full sun?

Abiqua Drinking Gourd Hosta does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Grow Abiqua Drinking Gourd Hosta with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.