Hosta ‘Victory’

The Hosta Growers Association has selected ‘Victory’ the Hosta of the Year for 2015 (USDA Zones 3–9). ‘Victory’ is a large hosta cultivar with gold edged variegated leaves and an upright vase-shaped plant habit.

Victory hosta is a sport of H. nigrescens ‘Elatior’, distinctive also for its beautiful, upright form. Plant develops into a broad 3 – 4 feet spreading mound and around 3 feet high. Hostas rated in the “extra large” category size take 3 to 4 years to reach mature size described on plant tag.

Plants grow rapidly if properly sited and cared for. Victory hostas produce light lavender flowers that stand above the foliage on sturdy stalks. Summer flowers attract hummingbirds and some insect pollinators. Gold leaf edging tends to fade to a light cream color by late summer.

Hostas are best planted in partial to full shade and adapt to a wide range of soil types that are well-drained and generously amended with compost. One year old established plants tolerate brief spring/summer dry periods. Feed once annually with a slow-release organic based fertilizer at planting time or in early spring.

Every 5-6 years, dig up and divide hostas either when new spring growth begins to emerge or when clump shows first signs of decline in fall. Leaves on Victory hosta have thick substance that make them slug resistant.