‘Hands Up’ is a striking small hosta with narrow, upright, yellow-green leaves that curve upward like reaching hands. Compact and architectural, it adds texture and contrast in shaded beds. Lavender flowers appear in summer on short scapes above the foliage.
‘Hands Up’ is part of the “Clown Pants” hosta family line, bred for upright foliage and compact growth. Its unusual form makes it a collector’s favourite.
Hostas are not just ground perennials. They can actually grow with their crowns at pond edges or even in shallow water, provided the soil remains consistently moist. Few gardeners realize they can double as water-garden edge plants.
Although hostas are traditionally shade perennials, they thrive near ponds and damp soils. They can even tolerate planting at the pond edge where roots stay consistently moist, making them versatile companions to more typical water plants.
Pairs beautifully with ferns, astilbes, and Japanese maples. Its golden leaves brighten shaded corners and contrast well with deep green foliage plants. Ideal for softening the transition between water features and shade gardens.
Japanese maples, ferns, astilbes, heucheras, and shade-tolerant grasses.
The summer blooms attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. Dense foliage also creates cover for amphibians in shaded areas near water features.
Low-maintenance perennial. Protect from slugs in spring as new shoots emerge. Divide every 3–5 years to maintain vigor. Remove spent flowers and tidy foliage in fall.
This variety always catches attention in a planting scheme because of its unique upright habit. I like to use it along pond edges to break up horizontal lines and to brighten up shaded spots where golden foliage creates a natural focal point.
