American Hosta Growers Association
1997 Hosta of the Year

With the increasing number of hosta cultivars being introduced each year it is increasingly difficult for nursery owners and gardeners to choose just the right hostas for their sales areas and gardens. To this end the American Hosta Growers Association established the AHGA Hosta of the Year in 1996. It is selected by a vote of AHGA members. Award winners are hostas that are good garden plants in all a regions of the country, are widely available and in sufficient supply and retail for about $15.00 in the year of selection. 

1997 Hosta of the Year 
'Patriot'
(Machen 1991)

Color - Variegated
Size - Medium (22"ht x 50"w)
Habit - Mounding
Bloom - Lavender

Parent - sport of ‘Francee’
The same dark green center and form of ‘Francee’ but with a much wider white margin that is crisp and striking. Good sun tolerance. Lavender flowers in mid-summer. Really stands out in a crowd.
Photo courtesy of AHGA member Shady Oaks Nursery, LLC