A Colossal Statement of Strength and Size
Hosta 'Abiqua Elephant Ears' is a massive, landscape-defining cultivar that commands attention through its sheer scale and rugged texture. Developed by Charles Purtymun at Walden West and registered in 1987, this H. sieboldiana hybrid is the heavyweight champion of the "Abiqua" series. It produces enormous, heart-shaped leaves that truly mimic the ears of its namesake, creating a dense, spreading mound that can anchor an entire woodland garden. For the Canadian gardener, this variety offers a prehistoric, lush aesthetic that remains steadfast from the late spring emergence in your garden until the first hard frosts of autumn.
Why It Stands Out
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Enormous Leaf Scale: Individual leaves can reach over 40 cm in length, providing a coarse, bold texture that contrasts beautifully with fine-foliage ferns.
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Deeply Corrugated Surface: The thick, "seersuckered" puckering across the leaf surface adds incredible visual depth and a leathery, ancient feel.
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Impenetrable Substance: Its heavy, wax-coated foliage is exceptionally durable, making it virtually "slug-proof" and resistant to wind damage.
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Cool Blue-Green Palette: Emerges with a misty, glaucous blue coating that matures into a deep, sophisticated blue-green as the summer season progresses.
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Sturdy Flower Scapes: In early summer, pale purple flowers appear on thick, upright stems that barely clear the massive foliage, keeping the focus on the leaves.
Technical Specs
| Feature |
Details |
| Size |
80–90 cm Height / 150–180 cm Width |
| Hardiness Zone |
Canadian Zones 3–9 |
| Colour |
Muted Blue-Green; Pale purple flowers |
| Light |
Partial Shade to Full Shade |
Grower's Tip
Because of its giant potential, Hosta 'Abiqua Elephant Ears' requires deep, fertile soil and plenty of room to stretch—avoid planting it too close to foundations or narrow walkways. It is a moderate grower that takes 4–6 years to reach its "Emperor" status in the garden. At our nursery in Bécancour, QC, we monitor the development of the leaf centre and the characteristic puckering before shipping. This True to Type verification ensures that your specimen has the genetic vigour and authentic sieboldiana traits required to thrive in the diverse climates across Canada.
