Night Before Christmas - Hosta

Hosta ‘Night Before Christmas’ is a clump-forming, deciduous perennial grown for dark green leaves with creamy centers that turn white by midsummer. Pale lavender flowers rise above the foliage in mid to late summer, making this a useful shade plant with interest beyond its leaf pattern. ## Foliage and flowers Walters Gardens lists the hosta at about 18 inches tall and 36 inches wide, with taller flower scapes. The large leaves have broad creamy-white centers that become purer white as the season progresses. The tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and songbirds. Use the clump in a shaded border or woodland planting, with enough room for its mature spread. ## Siting Part shade to full shade suits this selection. Hostas grow best in moist, well-drained, organic-rich soil; dappled light and morning sun are preferable to hot afternoon exposure. The RHS also describes this cultivar as clump-forming, with pale purple summer flowers and a preference for moist but well-drained conditions. ## Maintenance Keep soil moist early in the season, then allow it to dry slightly between waterings; dormant hostas need little water. In colder areas, a light winter mulch can reduce heaving. Remove dead foliage after dormancy and check for slug damage as new leaves emerge. [Walters Gardens: ‘Night Before Christmas’](https://www.waltersgardens.com/variety.php?ID=HSNBC) · [RHS: Hosta ‘Night before Christmas’](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/116797/hosta-night-before-christmas-v/details)