The American Hosta Growers’ Association announces one Hosta of the Year annually. Winning cultivars must be widely available at a moderate price and suitable across many regions, in addition to being a standout for visual appeal. For 2023, the association chose to honor 'Neptune', which is grown for its persistent blue color and rippled leaves. A seasoned champion, 'Neptune' previously won a Benedict Garden Performance Award of Merit, given by the American Hosta Society.
Common name: 'Neptune' hosta or plantain lily
Botanical name: Hosta 'Neptune'
Exposure: Part to full shade
Flowers: Though hostas are mainly grown for their foliage, they do produce tall stems of tubular flowers in late summer. 'Neptune' blooms in light purple.
Related: Read about 'Diana Remembered' hosta, which offers exceptionally large and fragrant white flowers.
Foliage: New spring foliage emerges a bright shade of blue, which lasts through much of spring. In summer, the leaves fade to a nice blue-green. The leaf edges are rippled and the surface is corrugated. The leaf thickness makes 'Neptune' resistant to slugs.
Related: Read about 'Rainbow's End', the 2021 Hosta of the Year, which is very slug resistant.
Habit: Mounded, to two feet all and four feet wide.
Related: Prefer a small hosta? Read about the 2022 Hosta of the Year, 'Island Breeze'.
Origin: 'Neptune' hosta was bred by Hans Hansen and introduced to the trade in 2006.
Related: Check out two more past Hosta of the Year: 'Brother Stefan' and 'Lakeside Paisley Print'.
How to grow it: Site ‘Neptune’ in part to full shade. It prefers fertile soil and consistent watering. Hostas benefit from mulch, which regulates the soil temperature and conserves moisture. 'Neptune' is moderately resistant to slugs, thanks to its thick leaves. Remove withered foliage in late fall. Zones 3–9.
Image courtesy of Walters Gardens
