
Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread

Growing Zones
Like the ocean giant, the aptly-named Humpback Whale Hosta (Hosta hybrid) is a giant in the plant world. With a mounded dome of blue-green leaves, this hosta can grow nearly 3 feet tall and 7 feet around. The big, textured leaves have a heart-like shape. It’s tough to imagine a perennial getting this big with little sun, but the hosta prefers part shade to shade, especially the type of dappled shade provided by trees.
Humpback Whale Hosta grows in zones 3 through 9 and in most soil types. It adapts well to its soil and environment and grows to its mammoth size with little help from the gardener. In early summer, white flowers rise on a scape about a foot above the foliage and attract hummingbirds. But the real beauty of this plant is its year-round color, since the blue-green leaves remain all year. Place a few of these hostas in a shady area needing a border, like along a path or driveway, or use a single one as a focal plant in the landscape.
Humpback Whale Hosta Care
Hostas require little care other than regular, average watering. Although they can grow in average soil, they prefer a fertile soil. You can improve soil by adding some compost at planting time. Mulching around the plant with a compostable mulch can help keep the soil moist and cut down on weeds around the plant. Organic mulches applied each spring help feed the plants as well, though you can add an all-purpose fertilizer around the plant, avoiding getting any granules on the leaves.
It’s best to water regularly enough to keep the soil from drying out for long; the big leaves on this plant release plenty of moisture. Humpback Whale will need no pruning, just removal of dead or damaged leaves in late winter to prevent diseases. Remove the flower scape after the white flowers fade by cutting the stem down to just above the foliage.
Humpback Whale Hosta Spacing
This big boy needs room to grow, so if planting in a border, as part of a mixed bed, or up against a home’s foundation, leave it room to reach its mature size. That means spacing a new plant about 7 feet from a wall or the center of another plant.
Humpback Whale Hosta Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9 |
Plant Type: Perennial |
Sunlight Exposure: Full Shade to Partial Shade |
Mature Height: 3 Feet |
Mature Width: 7 Feet |
Plant Spacing: 7 Feet |
Growth Habit: Mounded |
Flower Color(s): White |
Seasonal Interest: Early Summer |
Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
Foliage Color(s): Blue-Green |
Attracts: Hummingbirds |
Features: Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance |
Uses: Border Plant Container Mass Planting Specimen or Focal Point |
Plant Brand: Proven Winners |
Botanical/Scientific Name: Hosta hybrid 'Humpback Whale' |
- SKU:
- HOSHW
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
All bushes, perennials & trees come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.

Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: Idaho, AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!