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This truly revolutionary rare red hosta is bringing deep, long-lasting colour like never before
Hosta ‘Red Ninja’, the first hosta with unusually long-lasting red foliage, has been named the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year 2026.
Bred by Ninja Kramer and supplied by Fairweather’s Nursery, this striking, sun-loving hosta was selected by a panel of expert judges from a shortlist of 17 plants.
For years, breeders have tried to create a hosta with red foliage that doesn’t quickly fade to green. Hosta ‘Red Ninja’ marks a major breakthrough, holding onto its rich red tones well into the summer months. Judges praised this groundbreaking achievement, noting its colour, uniqueness and versatility.
‘Most hostas struggle in sun and need a shady position to thrive. But this is a hosta that actually needs some direct sun, and colours up in sunshine. The more it receives, the better the colour,’ said the 'Red Ninja' team.
Second place goes to Hydrangea paniculata ‘Groundbreaker Ruby’, a compact, low-growing hydrangea with white flowers that change colour through the season. Third place is awarded to the rare Hydrangea ‘Velvet Night Red Lace’, prized for its dark foliage and vivid red flowers.
The Plant of the Year is based on three key criteria: novelty and innovation, garden performance, and likely appeal for UK gardeners. The first truly pink-flowered Philadelphus took the crown in 2025.
Hosta 'Red Ninja' is currently being displayed in the Great Pavilion at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, from Tuesday 19th to Saturday 23rd May. Read on to discover more about this year’s first, second and third place winners — including where you can buy the standout plants for your own garden.
WINNER
Hosta 'Red Ninja' is a striking new variety with dramatic dark red foliage, bringing bold colour and contrast to balconies, terraces and mixed garden borders. Thriving in moist but well-drained soil, this plant adds texture and interest throughout the season before producing soft purple flowers from late summer into early autumn.
SECOND PLACE
‘Groundbreaker Ruby’ is the first true groundcover variety of Hydrangea paniculata, offering a low-growing habit with exceptional seasonal colour. Its blooms emerge white before gradually deepening to pink and rich red tones from late summer into autumn. Easy to grow and highly disease resistant, this hydrangea thrives in both sun and partial shade, while requiring very little pruning to maintain its compact shape.
Read more: The world's first ground-covering hydrangea wows at Chelsea Flower Show
THIRD PLACE
Another standout hydrangea, ‘Velvet Night Red Lace’ is prized for its dramatic combination of deep, dark foliage and vivid red blooms. Thriving in partial shade and moist but well-drained soil, this eye-catching variety brings rich colour and texture to the garden. Its striking red-black leaves also provide lasting visual interest long after the flowers have faded.
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