Hostas That Can Tolerate Sun: The Best Varieties for Sunny Gardens

Hostas are classic shade plants with their lush leaves and mounding habit. But did you know that some hosta varieties actually tolerate sun quite well? With the right selection and care you can grow hostas in both shady and sunny spots of your garden. Here’s an in-depth look at the best sun-loving hosta varieties and how to help them thrive.

Why Hostas Normally Prefer Shade

Most hostas thrive in shady conditions for a few key reasons:

• Their large, broad leaves can scorch and burn if exposed to too much hot, direct sun. The cells literally cook!

• Many hostas have variegation meaning white or yellow patterns on their leaves. Too much sun causes the variegation to fade or turn solid green.

• Blue hosta varieties get their signature color from a waxy coating on the leaves This coating melts away in very sunny, hot conditions

• Hostas native to Asian woodlands and forests evolved for filtered light conditions. Their DNA is designed for shade tolerance.

So in general, afternoon or all-day sun is too much for the average hosta. But certain species and new cultivars have been selected specifically for better sun tolerance.

Best Hosta Varieties That Tolerate Sun

Hosta varieties most likely to thrive despite some sun exposure tend to fit certain criteria:

• Yellow or gold leaf color – The pigments protect leaves from light damage.

• White variegation – Sun bleaches or fades variegation on green leaves.

• Thick, substantial foliage – Thin leaves burn faster than thicker ones.

• Slug resistant – Sun-stressed plants are more vulnerable to pests.

• Fragrant flowers – This trait usually means they can take more light.

With those traits in mind, some top sun-tolerant hostas include:

Yellow Leaves

• August Moon
• Golden Sculpture
• Gold Standard
• Sum and Substance
• Sun Power

Yellow Variegation

• Bridal Falls
• Rainbow’s End
• Sum and Substance
• Sundance

Fragrant Flowers

• Fragrant Bouquet
• Guacamole
• Honeybells
• Royal Standard
• Sugar and Cream

Blue-Green

• Revolution
• Seducer
• Victory

White Variegation

• Patriot
• Francee
• Minuteman

Where to Plant Sun-Loving Hostas

Even sun-tolerant hostas don’t want to bake all day in the baking noonday sun. Look for sites that offer morning sun but afternoon shade, such as:

• East-facing gardens and borders
• Beside north-facing fences or structures
• Under taller shade trees on the south or west side
• Near shrubs or trees that leaf out later in spring
• Within a partly shaded perennial border

If you have a very hot climate or intense sun exposure, situate hostas where they’ll have shade by early afternoon. Monitor new transplants carefully and don’t hesitate to move them if foliage scorches.

Help Sun-Loving Hostas Thrive

Hostas already have the odds stacked against them in sunny sites. Give them every advantage by providing:

• Consistent moisture – Sun and wind dry out soil faster. Water 1-2 times per week.

• Afternoon/evening shade – A few hours of morning sun is ideal.

• Rich soil – Improve drainage but retain moisture with compost.

• Mulch – 2-3 inches of bark or leaf mulch keeps roots cool.

• Slug control – Stressed plants are a magnet for pests.

• Wind protection – Add stakes and grow near other plants as a wind break.

• Fertilizer – Feed more frequently in sunny spots to replace nutrients.

With the right growing conditions, even sun lovers like August Moon and Guacamole hostas can thrive. But if foliage declines, don’t hesitate to transplant to a shadier area.

Signs Your Sun-Loving Hosta is Stressed

Keep a close eye on hostas in sunny areas. Watch for these signs of light stress:

• Browning leaf edges and tips
• Yellowing or bleached leaves
• Thin, wilted foliage
• Slow growth
• Leggy growth habit as it reaches for light

Take action quickly if you notice any distressed foliage. Treat the root system by watering thoroughly. Add a light shade such as a sheer curtain if afternoon sun is too intense. Or transplant the hosta to a new shady home if needed.

Hosta Sun Tolerance FAQs

Having trouble deciding which sun-loving hosta is right for you? Here are answers to some common questions:

What is the most sun tolerant hosta variety?

The most sun tolerant varieties include August Moon, Sum and Substance, Honeybells, and Fragrant Bouquet. Yellow or gold leaves and fragrant flowers indicate sun tolerance.

Can hostas survive full sun all day?

No, even sun-loving hostas can’t thrive in full sun with no shade respite, especially in hot climates. Provide some shade from intense midday and afternoon sun.

How much morning sun is too much for hostas?

Aim for just 2-3 hours of gentle morning sun. More intense or lengthy exposure can still damage foliage, especially on very hot days.

Should I give my sun hostas afternoon shade?

Yes, all hostas benefit from relief from the most intense overhead sunlight. If possible, situate them where taller plants, trees or structures provide some afternoon shade.

When should I move a sun-stressed hosta?

At the first sign of light damage like browning leaves, wilting or leggy growth, transplant the hosta to a shadier spot. Hostas recover well from being divided and moved.

Should I cut off sunburned hosta leaves?

Remove any totally crisped, yellowed leaves to improve the plant’s appearance. But leave any undamaged green foliage to help the plant recover and regrow new leaves.

Even traditionally shade loving hostas can thrive in sunny areas with proper variety selection, extra care, and attentive growing conditions. Do your research, provide afternoon shade, and don’t hesitate to transplant if your hosta starts showing stress. With a bit of trial and error, you can find the perfect sun-dappled spot for your hostas to shine.