Here at Sienna Hosta we have over 1400 different varieties of Hosta, so it's so hard to come up with the Top 10 Classics. There are certainly some worthy mentions that don't make the top 10. Hosta 'El Nino', one of the best blue and white hostas which we really love but just misses out. Hosta 'Whirlwind' almost made the list but we just didn't know what would lose out in it's place. I'm sure you can probably think of one or two that deserve a place on the list and perhaps in time we'll have to expand it to our top 20!
Arguably the most popular variety ever! Hosta 'June' consistently ranks in the top 1 or 2 most popular varieties and despite how long it has been available this has never really changed. A tardiana with good slug resistance. 'June' has stunning yellow/green leaves with green/blue margins, the colouration will change depending on the light levels it is planted in.
The best miniature variety that there is! You would be hard pushed to find a collection of miniatures that doesn't contain 'Blue Mouse Ears'. Thick blue leaves that form a stunning coral like mound. Due to it' thick leaves, 'Blue Mouse Ears' has good slug resistance. A fast grower for a miniature variety.
Arguably the largest hosta there is. This monster can reach over 2m in diameter! 'Empress Wu' has been a popular variety since it's release and has produced some excellent sport such as 'Wu-La-La' and 'Wunderbar'.
A truly unique variety with very upright narrow folded leaves. This one almost doesn't look like a hosta at all. Excellent in a pot but can also be grown in the ground. The miniature version of 'Praying Hands' is the fantastic 'Hands Up'.
The best giant yellow variety and one of the best for a sunnier spot. 'Sum and Substance' has huge dinner plate size leaves and can reach over 1.5m in diameter. This variety has produce some excellent sports such as 'Winter Snow', 'Fran Godfrey' and 'Final Summation'.
Despite by an all green variety, 'Devon Green' is such a beauty. One of the best when it comes to slug resistance, this tardiana has very thick shiny leaves that slugs aren't too keen on. A reliable grower that is happy in a pot or the ground.
A stunning variety that is always a reliable grower. 'Guacamole' has yellow/green leaves and a dark green margin. This variety has beautifully fragrant flowers and is one of the most popular fragrant varieties around. Hosta of the Year 2002.
A classic giant blue variety that can be found in almost every good collection. A very architectural hosta that can help bring together a planting scheme and is very often used by garden designers and landscapers.
This variety was given it's name due to it's long lasting leaves that generally look good until the 'first frost'. Another tardiana with thick leaves that have good slug resistance.
The quintessential hosta and the best medium blue variety. There is a reason that this one has stood the test of time. A tardiana with thick powdery blue leaves makes it tough against the slugs and snails. 'Halcyon' is one of the best hostas when it comes to complimenting the plants around it and helps bring together a border.
Richard Jeffery
November 29, 2023
June has been my number one for a few years now. Never fails to impress. Good to see Blue Mouse Ears getting deserved recognition too.