Light
Part shade to shade. Morning sun only.
Growing guide · Perennials
Hosta 'Humpback Whale'
How to grow Hosta 'Humpback Whale'.
Big and blue. Plan accordingly.
- Light
- Part sun, shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Zones
- 3–9
- Size
- 2–3 ft tall, 5–7 ft wide
- Spacing
- 5–6 ft apart.
- Pets
- Not on the ASPCA pet-safe list; keep it out of reach
Water
Keep evenly moist, especially while it's establishing.
Planting and soil
Plant in spring or early fall with the crown at soil level. Work in compost.
Feeding
Compost or a balanced slow-release feed in spring.
Pruning
Cut flower stalks after bloom. Remove leaves after frost.
Through the year
Shoots in April. Bluest in May and June. Flowers in summer. Collapses with hard frost.
If something's off
Thick leaves resist slugs but not deer. Hostas are toxic to dogs and cats if eaten.
Plays well with
Plant it with friends.
Why we stock it: A one-plant statement for shade, with leaves thick enough that slugs struggle.
That's everything we know about growing it. Thanks for reading.
Know someone with the right spot? Send them this.
Hosta 'Humpback Whale'from $36.99 · Arrives alive, or we replace it
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What to plant this week in your zone, every Sunday. New ways to plant and odd tricks that actually work.
Sunday's tip is written for your zone: what to plant this week, and a kit that fits.Set your zone and Sunday's tip gets specific: what to plant this week, and a kit that fits.
Patio pot kit
Balcony Brag
Forty square feet, big opinions.
4 plants · $165.92In a pot, any zone
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Deer-resistant border kit
Deer Can't Even
Everything in it tastes terrible to deer.
12 plants · $392.88Zones 5–8
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Office kit
The Desk Set
Three small plants, one desk.
3 plants · $45Indoors, any zone
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Drought garden kit
The Hot, Dry Bank
For the slope the hose doesn't reach.
14 plants · $554.86Zones 5–9
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Mailbox garden kit
The Mailbox Bed
Curb appeal in one afternoon.
8 plants · $159.92Zones 3–10
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Pollinator garden kit
The Pollinator Buffet
Open seating for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
14 plants · $424.86Zones 4–9
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Shade garden kit
Shade Layers
For the spot the sun forgot.
8 plants · $151.92Zones 3–9
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Edible kit · plant this fall
The Snack Garden
Pick it, eat it, walk away.
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