Top 10 Hostas

Miniatures

• In 1996, a beautiful introduction set off intense interest in these tiny gems. The hosta variety "Pandora's Box" won hearts with creamy white leaves edged dramatically with green-blue that average just 2 inches long by 1.5 inches wide. Another wonderful miniature and 2009 Hosta of the Year, "Blue Mouse Ears" follows suit with strongly cupped, heart-shaped blue leaves just 2.75 inches long by 2 inches wide.

Small

• Small hostas delight in diversity. 2013 Hosta of the Year "Rainforest Sunrise" absolutely glows with golden leaves bordered in dark green. Beautifully cupped and puckered, they average 5 inches in both length and width. "Praying Hands" displays some of the most unusual leaves of any variety. Seven inches long by 2.5 inches wide, the tightly rolled leaves appear like small hands folded in prayer. Hosta of the Year in 2011, its dark green leaves are thinly edged with yellow-gold.

Medium

• One stellar medium hosta is 2010 Hosta of the Year, "First Frost," which offers intensely blue leaves with a bright yellow border that matures to white. The leaves measure 7 inches long by 5 inches wide and hold up right until frost. "Fragrant Bouquet," Hosta of the Year in 1999, boasts 8-by-6-inch leaves with dark green centers surrounded by apple green and irregular white and cream margins. Its large, midsummer flowers are extremely fragrant.

Large

• Definitely impressive, the leaves of "Sagae," Hosta of the Year in 2000, emerge bright green with deep-gold margins then mature to silvery gray and creamy white. The wavy-edged, heart-shaped leaves reach 12 inches long and 10 inches wide. "Stained Glass" shines with bright green margins on golden-yellow leaves that grow more brilliant gold with sun. Hosta of the Year 2006, its mature leaves average 10.5 inches long by 7 inches wide.

Giant

• Mature leaves of giant hostas amaze. "Liberty," 2012 Hosta of the Year, offers foliage measuring nearly 13 inches long by 10 inches wide. The blue centers of sun-resistant leaves are edged with striking golden-yellow margins nearly 2.5 inches wide, fading to creamy white. The 2004 Hosta of the Year, "Sum and Substance" pushes all limits with gigantic, waxy leaves measuring up to 2 feet across and 18 inches wide. The sun-resistant, golden-chartreuse leaves take on their best coloration with a touch of sun.