H. ‘Winners Circle’

Overview

Registered in 2004, this small hosta cultivar is a hybrid between a selfed seedling of *Hosta* 'Neat Splash' (as pod parent) and *Hosta* 'Love Pat' (as pollen parent). 'Winners Circle' is visually distinctive for its blue-green leaves with creamy white margins that exhibit streaking into the leaf center, creating a marbled or irregular variegation pattern.

In the Garden

Reaching 8 inches (20.3 cm) in height and 20 inches (50.8 cm) in diameter, 'Winners Circle' forms a compact, mound-like clump with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, as is typical for blue-green hostas, which benefit from protection from intense afternoon sun to maintain leaf color and prevent scorching. Its small size makes it well-suited for rock gardens, container plantings, or the front of shaded borders, where it pairs effectively with other small shade perennials such as ferns or heucheras.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like many hostas, this cultivar is susceptible to slug and deer damage, requiring appropriate management in areas where these pests are prevalent.