Each year the American Hosta Growers Association (AHGA) selects a Hosta of the Year to showcase a top variety for gardens. For 2022 they have chosen the petite charmer ‘Island Breeze’ as a must-have hosta.
About the AHGA Hosta of the Year
The AHGA began naming a Hosta of the Year in 1996 as a way to highlight excellent varieties for home gardeners and nurseries Winners are selected by a vote of AHGA members based on several criteria
- Performs well across different regions of the U.S.
- Is widely available in sufficient supply
- Retails for about $15
The program has promoted classic hostas like ‘June’ ‘Guacamole’ and ‘First Frost’ over the years.
Why ‘Island Breeze’ is the 2022 Winner
‘Island Breeze’ grabbed the spotlight as 2022’s Hosta of the Year for several reasons:
- Petite size perfect for containers and smaller gardens
- Eye-catching yellow and green variegated foliage
- Good sun tolerance
This hosta’s compact size and charming colors made it stand out from the pack.
Description of ‘Island Breeze’
‘Island Breeze’ is a small hosta, reaching only 8 inches high and 16 inches wide when mature. It has a gently mounding habit.
The foliage displays attractive variegation. The leaves are light green with wide, creamy yellow margins. In part shade, the yellow becomes brighter. In deeper shade, the yellow turns more chartreuse.
Fragrant pale purple flowers appear in midsummer on short 12 inch scapes. The blooms nicely complement the variegated foliage.
This hosta grows at a moderate rate. The compact size makes it ideal for tucking into rock gardens, edging paths, or using in container designs. It also works well in miniature fairy gardens.
Growing ‘Island Breeze’
‘Island Breeze’ is easy to grow and has better sun tolerance than many hostas. It performs well in zones 3-9.
It thrives in light to medium shade but can handle some morning sun. Provide rich, moist soil for best growth. Mulch around the plants to maintain soil moisture.
This cultivar has good slug resistance thanks to its slightly thicker leaves. It holds up well over the season, looking fresh into fall. Divide congested clumps in early spring or fall to rejuvenate them.
Where to Buy ‘Island Breeze’
As the Hosta of the Year, ‘Island Breeze’ should be readily available at garden retailers and nurseries. It typically sells for $10-15 per plant.
You can find this petite charmer at independent garden centers or chain stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s. Many online nurseries also carry it.
For the fresheststock, look for ‘Island Breeze’ at hosta specialists like Hosta Farm, Green Hill Farm, or Shady Oaks Nursery. They offer the top selection.
With its bright variegation and compact size, ‘Island Breeze’ earned its place as the 2022 Hosta of the Year. This petite yet colorful variety enlivenssmall spaces like miniature gardens. For an easy care, visually appealing hosta, be sure to check out award winner ‘Island Breeze’.
Hosta Walk June 2022
FAQ
What is the 2024 hosta of the year?
What is the most beautiful hosta?
What is the hosta of the year 2025?
What is the 2022 Hosta of the Year named?
Hosta ‘Island Breeze’ is the 2022 Hosta of the Year. It is a small cultivar that displays soft yellow summer variegation in part shade. In deeper shade, the color will be more lime green. The Association chose this cultivar as its award winner for 2022 due to its bold and substantial foliage that brightens the garden.
What is the Hosta of the Year?
The Hosta of the Year is a cultivar of the plant genus Hosta that is singled out annually by the American Hosta Growers Association for its excellent performance in all regions and wide availability at a moderate price. ( See the list of winners dating back to 1996.)
What makes a good Hosta plant?
To be considered a premium hosta, plants must perform superbly in many zones. They must also exhibit exemplary garden presence and performance, have a long season of appeal in the landscape, have leaves of good substance, and demonstrate a greater resistance to common garden pests.
How long does it take a giant Hosta to mature?
A mature specimen of the giant Hosta ‘Victory’ is a triumphant accomplishment and commands attention in the landscape. Be sure to start this one early to give it plenty of time to mature. Though it has a good growth rate, like most giant hostas it takes some years to develop the huge leaves and distinctive variegation that makes it so special.