H. ‘Santa Claus’
Hosta ‘Santa Claus’ is a registered cultivar () .
| Year registered | 2003 |
|---|---|
| Section class | IV-4b (Small) |
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.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 11 in (27.9 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 18 in (45.7 cm) |
| Leaf length | 6 in (15.2 cm) |
| Leaf width | 3 in (7.6 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 5 |
| Leaf | blue-green with .25in (0.6cm) wide, white, slightly rippled margins; dull on top; dull underneath; lightly wavy |
| Flower scape height | 26–27 in (66.0–68.6 cm) |
| Seasonal colour change | center becomes light green |
| Notable characteristics | heavy 'farina' creates an unusual white green-blue color |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Christmas Tree Gala' — H. ‘Christmas Tree Gala’
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (IV-4b, small size):
- H. ‘Sydney's Spunk’ (2007)
- H. ‘August Fire’ (2008)
- H. ‘Blue Ivory’ (2009)
- H. ‘Dew Drop’ (1988)
- H. ‘Bold Edger’ (1983)
- H. ‘Allan P. McConnell’ (1980)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #4938