Hosta Hosta 'Christmas Tree' (v)
ABOUT
Hosta 'Christmas Tree' is a perennial plant that is widely appreciated for its attractive foliage and shade tolerance. This Hosta variety boasts broad leaves that are lush and heart-shaped, creating a dense and billowy appearance. The leaves themselves are a rich green in color, often with a slightly glossy texture that can catch the light beautifully. Along the edges of each leaf, there's a possibility of variegation, which may include a lighter green or even creamy-white border, adding a striking contrast to the overall display of foliage. During the blooming period, the plant sends up tall stalks that bear delicate bell-shaped flowers. The flowers typically present in shades of lavender or white, and they hang from the stalks like little lanterns amid the sea of green leaves. The display of flowers adds a layer of ornamental charm to the plant, which may attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. Overall, Hosta 'Christmas Tree' is a lush, leafy plant that can contribute a calming green presence and a touch of floral elegance to any garden space designated for shade-loving varieties.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia
Common names
Funkia 'Christmas Tree', Hemerocallis 'Christmas Tree'
ToxicityTo humans
The Hosta plant is not highly toxic to humans. Ingestion may cause some stomach upset, such as nausea or diarrhea, but serious poisoning or fatalities are rare. The main concern tends to arise from ingestion by pets rather than humans.
To pets
Hosta plants are toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If ingested, they can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. In severe cases, it could lead to more serious complications but such instances are less common. It is important to keep pets away from these plants to avoid potential toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
2 feet (61 cm)
Spread
3 feet (91 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Hosta 'Christmas Tree' features attractive foliage that can enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: It is known for being relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Shade Tolerance: This variety thrives in shady areas where other plants may struggle to grow.
- Versatility: Hostas can be used in various landscape designs, including borders, ground covers, and accent plants.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Hosta 'Christmas Tree' has good tolerance to short periods of drought.
- Texture Addition: The large, variegated leaves add a unique texture to garden compositions.
- Seasonal Interest: The foliage offers visual interest from spring to fall, and some hostas provide flowers in summer.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers of Hosta 'Christmas Tree' can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Accents in floral arrangements: Hosta leaves can be used to add lush greenery and interesting textures to cut flower bouquets.
- Pressed leaf art: The large, decorative leaves of Hosta can be pressed and used in botanical art projects for a natural aesthetic.
- Natural dye source: The leaves of Hosta 'Christmas Tree' can be used to extract green pigments for dyeing fabrics and yarns.
- Garden design theme: Utilized as the focal point, Hosta can establish a 'Christmas' theme in garden beds by playing off its name and lush appearance.
- Foliage for shade gardens: Hosta can be planted under trees or in other shaded areas to create an attractive and full garden where other sun-loving plants might struggle.
- Erosion control: Hosta plants can be used on slopes or areas with erosion issues due to their spreading root systems that help hold soil in place.
- Leaf casting: The textured leaves of Hosta can be used to make concrete or plaster casts for decorative stepping stones or garden ornaments.
- Seasonal garden markers: Hosta leaves can be temporarily used to mark areas in the garden for future planting since they die back in winter and return in spring.
- Pond landscaping: Hosta varieties can be planted around garden ponds for lush foliage and to provide habitat for wildlife.
- Living mulch: Spreading Hosta plants can be used as living mulch to suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture in garden beds.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiHosta is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityHosta is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: Hostas are known for their ability to thrive in shade and tolerate less than ideal conditions, symbolizing resilience and the ability to endure challenges.
- Versatility: Given the variety of Hosta plants, they symbolize adaptability and versatility, much like their ability to grow in various environments.
- Peace: The lush foliage of Hostas often creates a calming green space, representing peace and tranquility in the garden.
- Heartiness: Hostas are robust and hardy plants that can symbolize robust health and a strong constitution.
- Growth: Their expansive leaves can signify personal growth and development, much like the spreading nature of the plant.
WaterHostas, including the Hosta 'Christmas Tree', should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist to a depth of at least one inch. During hot, dry periods, this may increase to twice per week, providing about one gallon of water per plant for each watering session. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf diseases. It's best to water early in the morning to allow leaves time to dry before nightfall.
LightHosta 'Christmas Tree' thrives best in partial to full shade. It should be planted in a spot where it is shielded from the intense afternoon sun to avoid leaf scorch. Providing dappled sunlight or a location with morning light and afternoon shade will help maintain the vibrant colors and health of the foliage.
TemperatureHostas prefer a temperate climate with a temperature range between 40°F and 85°F. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 30°F for short periods, but long-term exposure to the heat above 90°F can be detrimental. The ideal growing conditions for Hosta 'Christmas Tree' are consistent, cooler temperatures without significant fluctuations.
PruningHosta 'Christmas Tree' requires minimal pruning. Dead leaves and spent flower stalks should be removed to maintain a tidy appearance and promote air circulation. Pruning is typically done in late fall or early spring, before new growth begins. Removing damaged or diseased leaves throughout the season can also help keep the plant healthy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHostas, also known as Plantain Lilies, thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5. A high-quality mix for Hosta 'Christmas Tree' can be created with equal parts of garden soil, compost, and peat moss or a pine bark-based potting mix. Additionally, incorporating a slow-release fertilizer into the mix will support healthy growth.
RepottingPlantain Lilies typically need to be repotted every 3 to 5 years. This is best done in the early spring as they emerge from dormancy. Due to their size and root structure, some mature hostas may require division rather than repotting to refresh their growing environment.
Humidity & MistingPlantain Lilies prefer moderately humid conditions, but they are quite adaptable and do not require highly specific humidity levels. Ambient outdoor humidity is usually sufficient for them, and they rarely need special humidity considerations unless grown in very arid climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Plantain Lily in bright, indirect light and maintain moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant in shade to partial sun, enrich soil, keep moist, protect from slugs.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleHosta 'Christmas Tree', also simply known as Hosta or Plantain Lily, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, usually in spring, in rich, moist soil. Once sprouted, the seedling will gradually mature into a young plant with characteristic broad leaves, becoming a recognizable hosta. Each year, the plant enters a growth phase, where leaves expand and it may produce tall flower spikes with lavender or white blooms during the summer months. As a perennial, the Hosta 'Christmas Tree' will die back to the ground level during the fall as temperatures drop, entering a period of dormancy over winter. In the following spring, the plant will re-emerge from its rootstock, beginning a new growth cycle. This cycle continues year after year, with the plant increasing in size and often requiring division every few years to maintain vigor.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring to Summer
The Hosta 'Christmas Tree', commonly known as hosta, is typically propagated by division. The most favorable time for this method is in early spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire hosta clump and wash or brush off soil to reveal the root structure. Using a sharp, clean knife, cut the crown and roots into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least two or three shoots, known as "eyes", and a portion of the root system. These divisions can be immediately replanted in prepared garden soil, spaced according to the mature size of the plant, usually about 30 inches apart (approximately 76 centimeters), and watered thoroughly to help establish roots. This simple process helps to create new plants that are genetically identical to the parent, allowing gardeners to expand their hosta collection or share with fellow enthusiasts.
