A Rare Benedict Legacy | Beryl Leaves and Amethyst Stems
In the meticulous world of hosta breeding, some treasures take decades to move from a hybridizer’s private collection into the wider world, and Hosta 'Best of Twenty' is one such long-awaited gem. This "not-yet-registered" standout is the result of Herb Benedict’s discerning eye, selected as the crème de la crème from twenty superior longipes f. hypoglauca seedlings. It offers a sophisticated, small-to-medium silhouette that packs a massive visual punch, proving that you don’t need to be a giant to command attention in a Canadian woodland garden. If you’ve been hunting for a plant with "collector status" that actually has the rugged genetics to handle a frosty spring in Rimouski or a humid July in Niagara, this Benedict hallmark is finally ready for its debut.
Why It Stands Out
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Intense Saturation: The heart-shaped leaves are a deep, matte blue-green, providing a cool sapphire backdrop that makes the vibrant stemwork truly "pop."
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The Royal Petiole: What truly sets this variety apart are the extremely intense, purplish-red petioles that look as though they’ve been hand-painted with a rich beet juice stain.
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Coordinated Colour: Unlike varieties that stop the pigment at the leaf base, 'Best of Twenty' carries that dramatic dark red hue all the way up its flower scapes.
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Lavender Accents: In late summer, the dark scapes are topped with lavender blooms, creating a stunning jewel-toned contrast against the glaucous foliage.
Technical Specifications
| Feature |
Specification |
| Size |
Small – Medium |
| Hardiness Zone |
Canadian Zones 3–9 |
| Colour |
Blue-green with purplish-red petioles |
| Light Requirements |
Partial to Full Shade |
Grower's Tip
Because this Benedict selection has been "tucked away" for so many years, we take our stewardship of it very seriously. To ensure the sapphire-to-amethyst contrast is exactly as Herb intended, we employ our strict True to Type verification protocol. We wait for the first signs of that deep purple-red saturation to climb the petioles in our Bécancour fields before we clear any plant for travel. Whether you’re a collector in Victoria or a first-time gardener in Fredericton, you’ll receive a plant that has been vetted for the exact traits that made it the "best" of its batch.
