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RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2026 winner: Hosta RED NINJA (‘Nk2021’)

A truly revolutionary Hosta, RED NINJA (‘Nk2021’) has won the coveted Plant of the Year Award at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, redefining what gardeners can expect from foliage colour

For years, breeders and plant lovers alike have chased the dream of a hosta with true, lasting red foliage. Several cultivars have hinted at red, only to fade as the season progressed. Hosta RED NINJA changes that narrative entirely – as well as ripping up the rulebook on where it should be planted.

Now, it’s been crowned winner of RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2026, receiving 30 votes out of 139 from the panel of expert judges. It was followed by Hydrangea paniculata GROUNDBREAKER RUBY in second place with 19 votes, and Hydrangea VELVET NIGHT RED LACE with 12 votes.

Hosta RED NINJA was bred by Danish plant breeder Ninja Kramer
What’s special about Hosta RED NINJA?

Developed as a full-plant mutation of Hosta ‘First Blush’, this award-winning new

cultivar takes red colouration to the next level. Its leaves emerge in the spring with rich, intense red tones, complemented by deep green margins, and they retain that colour deep into summer.

From late summer into early autumn, RED NINJA produces delicate purple flowers, rising above the leaves and adding a fresh seasonal layer of interest when many other shade plants are beginning to fade – keeping this striking groundcover plant colourful across the seasons.

This hosta’s versatility is another key strength. Low-maintenance and well-behaved, RED NINJA works beautifully in either sunny or shady borders, as well as containers on balconies and terraces.

Receiving the coveted award, the RED NINJA team said: “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.”

What did the judges say?

The judges were overwhelmingly impressed by the plant, describing it as a genuine breakthrough in breeding with truly unique and novel colouring – particularly the striking red tones in both leaves and stems. They highlighted its distinctiveness, declaring it a standout introduction that differs markedly from existing hostas – boasting unusual yet highly attractive foliage, strong form, and healthy, vigorous growth.

Many noted its versatility, including its ability to tolerate sun without damage and its suitability for both gardens and containers. They feel RED NINJA will appeal strongly to gardeners and collectors alike. Overall, it was praised as a special, commercially promising plant with exceptional visual impact – a compelling addition to the hosta range.

Of all the plants, this is the one I would most want to add to a collection

- RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2026 judge

How to grow Hosta RED NINJA

Despite its exotic appearance, Hosta RED NINJA is refreshingly easy to grow.

  • Height: up to 35cm

  • Position: sun or partial shade, ideally with gentle morning sun to enhance leaf colour

  • Soil: moist but well-drained

  • Hardiness: fully hardy down to –23°C

Once established, it requires minimal care, making it ideal for both experienced gardeners and confident beginners looking to add something special to their planting palette.

Breeder: Ninja Kramer. Exhibitor: Sienna Hosta. Supplier: Fairweather’s Nursery.

Discover the runners-up and other finalists for RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2026 here.

What did the judges say?

  • Colour breakthrough
  • Never seen before, something very special 
  • It’s a breeding breakthrough and has great commercial potential 
  • Interesting foliage makes for another hosta choice! 
  • Outstanding new introduction with striking foliage and stems
  • Fabulous new colouring
  • A very different colour to others available and can see it working well in gardens 
  • The colouring is unique
  • It is novel and attractive – habit and colouring
  • Stupendous colour!
  • So good to see the red colour in the leaves and stems – such a breakthrough
  • Genuine step forward in breeding
  • Unusual and growable – a great addition to any true hosta collection
  • The colour break and suitable for sunny spots with no damage to foliage 
  • Of all the plants, this is the one I would most want to add to a collection
  • New colour, looks vigorous. Will sell well
  • Distinctly different from all other hostas. Strong healthy foliage. Also can be grown in sun 
  • Unusual leaf colouring, not seen one with this colouring before. It is a striking plant and hosta collectors will love to add it to their collection
  • Unique hosta. Love the dark foliage which would be a freat contrast in a shady spot 
  • Unusual colour good contrast with dark stems and ribbed leaves, good form.
  • Very good form, dark foliage, beautiful coloured stems
  • A very nice foliage plant with good red definition. Also holds itself nicely compact while a largish plant
  • Very stand-out colour, looks very healthy and would look very well as a container plant also
  • Lovely shaped plant and colour. Very impactful 
  • Average gardener will go with this novelty
  • Most distinct in foliage colour 
  • Very distinct 

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