With dark green leaves surrounded by halos of creamy white, this hosta is ready for the 'Christmas Pageant'. Ruffled, rounded leaves bring the gift of texture and interest to the garden, and pale lavender flowers decorate the foliage in summer.

Scientific Name: Hosta 'Christmas Pageant'

Common Name: Christmas Pageant Hosta

Garden Size: 20 inches by 24-36 inches wide; scape height 18-24 inches

Growth Rate: Moderate

USDA Zone: 3-9

Exposure: Partial to full shade

Water & Soil: Moist, well-drained soil

Habit (Form): Mounding

Foliage: Large, broad leaves with dark green centers and wide, light-colored edges that start out creamy yellow and mature to white. The transition between the center and margin has a brushed appearance. Foliage has a quilted or corrugated texture.

Flowers: Pale lavender, tube-shaped flowers that grow on scapes above the foliage. Blooms mid summer.

Plant Origin: East Asia, primarily Japan and Korea. Most commercially available hostas are hybrids.

Wildlife Support: Hummingbirds and some bees enjoy the flowers. A favorite treat for our local deer.

Fertilizing: Apply compost in early spring before new growth emerges.

Pruning: Remove spent flower stalks to encourage new growth; trim back damaged or yellowing leaves as needed. Leave the leaves over the winter and wait until early spring to clean up.

ASPCA Toxicity flags (see their site for details): Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Uses: Ideal for shade gardens, woodland borders, and container plantings.

AHS Classification: II-4b (Large Leaved, White Margined, Green to Blue Center)

Parentage: Sport of H. 'Christmas Tree'