Each year, the American Hosta  Growers Assoication names a Hosta of the Year.  This year, it is Rainforest Sunrise.  The American Hosta Growers Association chooses its hosta of the year by certain criteria. The hosta must thrive in zones 4-7, must have superb performance, have a long season of appeal in the landscape, have leaves of good substance and demonstrate a resistance to common garden pests.

When it emerges in the spring, the leaves are a solid light green, quickly developing dark green borders with radiant gold centers.   The leaves are of heavy substance, hold the color well all season  and are sun and slug resistant!  Light lavender flowers appear late in the summer on 18″ flower scapes.   A sport of hosta Maui Buttercups, the small to medium sized Rainforest Sunrise can be used as a specimen hosta, used as a border plant or combined with other shade plants such as heucheras for great color and texture combinations.