H. ‘Christmas Charm’

Overview

Registered in 2003, 'Christmas Charm' is a medium-sized sport of *Hosta* 'Night Before Christmas' that reverses the typical variegation pattern, displaying blue-green leaves with creamy white margins rather than a white center. This cultivar forms a dense, slow-growing mound reaching 18 inches (45.7 cm) in height and 40 inches (101.6 cm) in diameter, with ovate leaves measuring 9 inches (22.9 cm) long and 5 inches (12.7 cm) wide.

In the Garden

'Christmas Charm' performs best in partial to full shade, where its blue-green foliage with 0.5-inch (1.3 cm) creamy white margins maintains good color and the thin glaucous bloom on the leaf undersides remains intact. Its moderate size and mound-like habit make it suitable for mid-border positions, woodland gardens, or as a groundcover under deciduous trees. The lightly wavy leaf edges and dull upper surface provide textural contrast when paired with finer-textured shade perennials such as ferns or *Heuchera*.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture during dry periods, particularly in the first growing season, and apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, this cultivar is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so protective measures may be necessary in areas where these pests are prevalent.