H. ‘Santa Claus’

Overview

Registered in 2003, *Hosta* 'Santa Claus' is a small sport of *Hosta* 'Christmas Tree Gala' of unknown pollen parentage. This cultivar is visually distinctive for its blue-green leaves with narrow white margins, combined with a heavy farina (waxy bloom) that imparts an unusual white-green-blue cast to the foliage.

In the Garden

'Santa Claus' forms a compact, mound-like clump reaching 11 inches (27.9 cm) in height and 18 inches (45.7 cm) in diameter, with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical for blue-leaved hostas, where the farina remains most pronounced. Its small size makes it suitable for rock gardens, troughs, or the front of shaded borders, pairing well with ferns, heucheras, and small woodland perennials.

Care Notes

Water regularly during dry periods, applying at soil level to avoid disturbing the farina. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release formulation; slug and deer damage is possible, though the heavy farina may offer some resistance to pests.