The American Hosta Growers Association (AHGA) "Hosta of the Year" collection represents outstanding hosta cultivars recognized for their exceptional qualities. Here's a breakdown of what it entails:
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Purpose:
- The AHGA established the "Hosta of the Year" program in 1996 to help gardeners and nursery owners choose high-quality hostas from the ever-increasing number of available cultivars.
- It serves as a guide, highlighting hostas that perform well in various climates and garden settings.
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Selection Process:
- The "Hosta of the Year" is chosen by AHGA members by vote.
- Criteria for selection include:
- Suitability for growth in diverse regions.
- Availability in sufficient supply.
- Reasonable retail price.
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Significance:
- The "Hosta of the Year" designation indicates a hosta experienced growers have deemed particularly worthy.
- It helps gardeners make informed decisions when selecting hostas for their landscapes.
- It helps promote outstanding hosta cultivars and improve the quality of Hostas found in gardens.
- The American Hosta Growers Association website is the best source of information for finding the current and past hostas of the year.
In essence, the "Hosta of the Year" collection is a curated selection of top-performing hostas, providing gardeners with reliable and beautiful additions to their gardens.