Each
year since 2006, a group of trained judges within
The American
Hosta Society have selected certain cultivars of
hosta to be honored with The Benedict Garden
Performance Award of Merit. These judges from across the country
choose outstanding hostas that are known to do well in home gardens
in their region. They place the top plants in two categories as
either an Honorable Mention or an Award of Merit.
Starting in 2009, from the total list of Award of Merit hostas, one (or two) cultivars are chosen to receive the
Benedict Garden Performance Medal as the best of the best.
Named for legendary hosta hybridizer,
Dr. Ralph (Herb) Benedict, this honor is given to a
registered hosta cultivar that has shown outstanding
performance in the home landscape.