Aug 13, 2010

Hosta Society Names Benedict Medal WinnerSource: American Hosta Society

After much buildup, the second Benedict Medal for Garden Performance was awarded in 2010. This year’s proven selection was hosta ‘Sagae’ (AHS 1996) and will grow 30 inches high by 70 inches wide. The large, heart-shaped leaves are 13 inches long by 11 inches wide, emerging in the spring with creamy yellow margins that become creamy white later in the season. Lavender flowers appear on 48-inch scapes in July through August.

The award was named in honor of pioneer hosta hybridizer Herb Benedict, who introduced many beautiful and distinctive hostas in the 1990s.

American Hosta Society garden judges from across the country selected this year’s winner. The hostas originator and AHS board of directors nominate plants, and from the list of 15 honorable mention hostas, judges cast votes and select 10 hostas that will receive Awards of Merit. The final selection is made by Garden Performance Judges and is chosen as the Benedict Medal for Garden Performance Hosta.

For more information, visit the AHS website, www.hosta.org.