Hosta RED NINJA ('Nk2021') — RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2026
The Hosta That Changes Everything
Meet the plant the horticultural world has been talking about since Chelsea Flower Show 2026. Hosta RED NINJA ('Nk2021') is the winner of the prestigious RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2026 and one look tells you exactly why.
Bred by celebrated Dutch plantsman Ninja Kramer, RED NINJA is a genuine breakthrough in Hosta breeding. Its striking red petioles (leaf stems) hold their rich, deep colour from spring right through to autumn with no fading, no greening out, no disappointment. Just season-long drama in the garden.
What Makes RED NINJA Different
Most red-tinted Hostas flash their colour briefly in spring, then revert to green within weeks. RED NINJA holds firm. The bold crimson stems create a vivid contrast against the deep, lustrous green leaves, a combination that looks equally stunning in a shady border, a woodland garden, or an elegant container on a terrace.
And here is the part that genuinely surprises people: RED NINJA tolerates sun. Properly. More direct sunlight than almost any Hosta before it. That means you can now grow a Hosta in spots that were previously off-limits with a south-facing bed, a sunnier mixed border, a bright patio corner.
This is not just a pretty new plant. It is a plant that expands what is possible.
At a Glance
- Award: RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2026
- Breeder: Ninja Kramer
- Foliage: Deep green leaves with persistent, vivid red petioles
- Position: Full sun to partial shade, exceptional sun tolerance for a Hosta
- Soil: Moist but well-drained, enriched with organic matter
- Hardiness: Fully hardy to -23°C (RHS H7)
- Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Perfect for: Borders, woodland gardens, containers, shady and sunny spots alike
How to Grow Hosta RED NINJA
Planting
- Plant in spring or early autumn for best establishment
- Choose a position in full sun, partial shade, or dappled shade
- Dig in plenty of well-rotted compost or leaf mould before planting
- Space plants 45 to 60 cm apart to allow for mature spread
Ongoing Care
- Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells
- Apply a generous mulch of compost or bark in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring as new growth emerges
- Protect emerging shoots from slugs and snails, this is when Hostas are most vulnerable
- Divide established clumps every three to four years to maintain vigour
Winter
- Fully hardy throughout the United Kingdom, no protection required
- Cut back dying foliage in late autumn once it has collapsed naturally
- Mulching the crown in colder regions adds an extra layer of reassurance
Why Buy From DutchGrown
At DutchGrown, we source exceptional bulbs and plants directly from the finest growers in the Netherlands, shipping to you from our warehouse in London. Every plant we offer is selected for quality, vigour, and garden performance. Hosta RED NINJA represents exactly the kind of breakthrough variety we love to bring to UK gardeners first.
Be First in Your Garden
Hosta RED NINJA is brand new, freshly award-winning, and already generating extraordinary demand following Chelsea Flower Show 2026. Stock of new introductions like this is always limited in the early seasons.
Sign up for our newsletter now and we will notify you the moment this extraordinary plant is available to order. You can order Hosta RED NINJA here.
Hosta RED NINJA ('Nk2021') — Winner, RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2026. Bred by Ninja Kramer. Available exclusively through specialist suppliers. Shipped from London across the United Kingdom.
