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Hosta of the
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Hosta of the
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Hosta are among the most popular of perennials for shady areas, with hundreds
of varieties now readily available. Plants form a sturdy mound of foliage,
topped with airy blooms. Each year the American Hosta Growers Association
selects its Hosta of the Year to recognize hosta plants that are good garden
plants in all regions of the country, are widely available, and retail for no
more than $15.00 in the year of selection. Since 1996 they have chosen great
varieties that have exceptionally decorative foliage, showy or fragrant flowers,
and perform well throughout USDA hardiness zones 3-9. Their choice for 2006 is
'Stained Glass.'
Introduced in 1999 by Hans Hansen of Shady Oaks, this variety is a sport of
'Guacamole’ that has brilliant, gold-centered leaves and heavy veining that
suggests a “stained glass” appearance. The shiny leaves have a 2” wide dark
green margin surrounding the bright center. The color stays true even in the
worst summer heat. The symmetrical leaves have a puffy texture that becomes more
pronounced over the years.
In mid-summer, large, pale lavender, very fragrant flowers appear on the 3 foot high flower spikes.
This medium-sized hosta is an average grower – not too fast and not too slow – typically reaching 15-20" high and about 3 feet in diameter. As with most hostas, it does best in well-drained, humus-rich, moist soil in light shade, but this variety is fairly sun tolerant.
– Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin
