Hosta 'Night before Christmas': Festive White-Centered Variegation

Hosta 'Night before Christmas': A Holiday Gift for the Shade Garden

Hosta 'Night before Christmas', hybridized by Machen and introduced in 1994, is a spectacular center-variegated hosta with broad, creamy-white centers that develop green streaking as the season progresses, framed by wide, dark green margins. Its name evokes the anticipation and surprise of Christmas morning.

Seasonal Variegation Drama

The leaves are large, 10–12 inches long, broadly ovate. In spring, the centers are broad and creamy white. As summer advances, green streaks and splashes develop—like presents appearing under the tree. The margins remain wide and dark green. The plant forms a substantial mound 2 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide. Pale lavender flowers in midsummer.

Dynamic Seasonal Change

The evolving variegation makes 'Night before Christmas' a plant to watch through the seasons. It prefers deeper shade to maintain the white centers longer. Good substance. Hardy in USDA zones 3–9. The name captures the wonder of its spring reveal.

Taxonomic Profile

• Family: Liliaceae
• Genus: Hosta
• Cultivar: 'Night before Christmas'
• Hybridizer: Machen
• Introduced: 1994

Festive Foliage

The creamy centers illuminate shade like holiday lights. Use as a specimen, in mass for a bright carpet, or combined with red-twig dogwood for a true holiday pairing. A hosta that brings seasonal anticipation to the garden.