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Hostas for Sun: Sun-Tolerant Options For Your Garden

Published on June 20, 2023 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

This post contains affiliate links.
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Can hostas grow in the sun? Yes, while we think of hostas as shade plants, there are dozens of varieties that thrive in full-sun conditions so long as the roots receive consistent moisture and never dry out.

Not sure what your sun conditions are? This explains the difference between full sun, part sun, and shade.

Hostas in a sunny garden.

49 Hostas For Sunny Locations

Hosta plants in the garden.

Which hostas like sun?

Full sun definition.

I compiled this hosta variety list from many sources (gardens, books, articles). There are 8000+ hosta cultivars so there are many more sun-tolerant hostas than I’m listing here. Take them as suggestions and be willing to move your plants around until you find their sweet spots.

The growing tips offer additional ideas for successful growing.

Hostas need even moisture (not dry spells or damp conditions), good soil, and root space. Watch for any signs of heat-fatigue. If you see wilting, stalled growth, brown leaf edges or discoloured spots, they are drying out too much. To remedy this, provide more shade, add mulch, or move them.

Ecological Gardening Note

Are hostas native to Canada or the United States?

No, hostas are native to Asia. While they are popular ornamental plants in other parts of the world, as non-native species they should never be introduced to wild or natural areas.

What are some native, deer-resistant alternatives to growing hostas?

Some native alternatives to hostas for parts of Canada and the United States include mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) and skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus and Symplocarpus foetidus).


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Contents

  • Hostas For Sun
  • Hosta Growing Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Resources

Hostas For Sun

Albo-marginata
Antioch

Aphrodite (fragrant)
August Moon (yellow)
Aureo-Marginata
Blue Angel
Bright Lights
Emerald Tiara
Fire and Ice (white leaves with green edges)
Fragrant Bouquet (fragrant)
Francee (white variegated)
Fried Bananas (fragrant)
Fried Green Tomatoes (fragrant)
Garden Delight (fragrant)
Gold Drop
Gold Regal (yellow)
Gold Standard (yellow-tinged foliage)
Golden Sculpture Rising Sun (yellow)
Golden Tiara
Ground Sulphur
Guacamole (fragrant)
Honey Bells (fragrant)
Hosta plantaginea (fragrant)
Hydon Sunset
Inniswood (yellow variegated)
Invincible (fragrant, green)
Lancifolia

Liberty (thick leaves)
Medio-Variegata
Montreal
Nakai
Parky’s Gold
Pearl Lake
 (green hosta)
Popcorn
Queen Josephine
Rainforest Sunrise
Regal Splendor (yellow variegated)
Rhino Hide (thick leaves)
Royal Standard (fragrant flowers)
Sagae
Sea Fire
Shade Fanfare
Sieboldiana
So Sweet (fragrant)
Squash Casserole (yellow)
Stiletto
Sugar & Cream (fragrant)
Sum & Substance (chartreuse leaves)
Summer Fragrance (fragrant)
Sundance (yellow variegated)
Sun Power (yellow-tinged foliage)
Thunderbolt (thick leaves)
Twist of Lime
Wolverine

You can get a copy of this list in the Resources section below.

Hosta Growing Tips

With over 8000+ hosta cultivars in the world, there are a lot of hosta options for your garden.

Colors include deep greens, light greens, blues, grays, yellows, white, and gold, and chartreuse varieties.

The key to success beyond right plant for the right space, is moisture. Yes, they can be sun-tolerant but that does not mean they are drought-tolerant. Hostas need consistent moisture to thrive. Sunlight is rarely an issue, but intense heat and dry conditions are. If you can keep good, even moisture and never let the plant dry out, you’re on the road to hosta happiness.

Planted in deeper shade, a hosta may not grow to its full potential. It’s the light that encourages foliage color changes and flowering.

This explains sun exposure (full sun, part sun, part shade, shade) and how to assess light conditions in your garden.

Hostas planted along path to front door of house.

Garden bed with sun charts showing full sun, part sun, and shade.

Related: Full Sun To Shade: How To Assess Light Conditions In Your Garden


Hosta Lifecycle

Hosta snouts or noses emerging from the soil in spring.
Hosta snouts or noses emerging from the soil in spring.

As a perennial in a cold climate, hostas go through distinct stages each year.

  • Spring  The first signs of spring growth come when the hosta “noses” or “snouts” emerge from the soil. These are furled buds that will grow into leaves. The unfurling stage is my favorite. There is something intriguing about so much growth coming up from seemingly bare earth.
  • Late spring is the time of rapid root and foliage growth.
  • Summer is the big show. The plant is at its peak size for the year. Some varieties flower. Warmer growing zones may trigger second leaves and blooms.
  • Fall marks the time for dormancy to begin. Growth slows and stops; leaves may change color with hidden pigments becoming visible (just like tree leaves). Gradually the leaves die off and the hosta vanishes. The roots are there, of course, but there may be little or no evidence of them above ground. This is why long-lasting plant tags can be so valuable, preventing accidental trampling of the soil or digging in spring. If the fall season is dry, a nice deep drink of water for the roots is a good idea when first frost is imminent. Seeds can be collected from dry seed pods for sowing indoors.
  • Winter is the dormant period. Just as many flowering bulbs need a consistent chilling period for spring growth, hostas need their winter rest. At least 30 days with temperatures below 40℉ (4°C) is best.
Various hostas in garden with tree.

Frequently Asked Questions

Assorted hostas and grasses in garden.
Can I grow hostas in containers?

Yes, you can grow hostas in containers. Hosta leaves come in so many beautiful variations and look great in pots.

Also, growing in containers is a great workaround if you have poor soil or suspect you will want to move the plant around to find its best growing location in your garden.

Some hostas grow very deep roots (18-inches), so a large, deep container is best. You must keep up with watering and may want to add drip irrigation if you are away in the summer.

To overwinter your potted hosta, water deeply before storing, place a piece of hardware cloth (lead-free or stainless steel) with a rock on top of the soil to discourage vermin, and keep in a cool place (not freezing) until spring.

What are the best hosta care tips?

The best tip is to start by choosing hostas suited to your growing zone and conditions. For ongoing care, even moisture is key. Whether you plant your hostas in dappled shade or a sunny location, you want those roots to have access to water throughout the growing seasons. Drip irrigation hoses can help. A few inches of organic mulch can also help retain moisture.

Why are some hostas so huge?

Some hostas are much bigger than others for several reasons including the cultivar (genetics), age of the plant, optimum growing conditions include root space, and fertilizer. It’s a good bet that most gardeners with giant—and I mean giant—hostas are starting with species known to grow really large and maxing out the fertilizers. While they look cool, keep in mind that excessive application of fertilizers can harm the environment.

Which fertilizer is best for hostas?


If you are replenishing your soil with compost on an ongoing basis and taking soil tests to understand what—if anything—your soil needs, fertilizers are not recommended. Some hosta growers swear by a slow-release 10-10-10 product but it’s important to know what your soil needs before feeding it, otherwise the excess goes to waste and environmental harm can occur.

What are common hosta pests or problems?

Common hosta issues include slugs, voles, deer, foliar nematodes, and petiole rot (fungus).
This has tips on dealing with slugs and snails without causing harm to your garden or wildlife.

Resources

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Hostas For Sunny Locations

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Hosta plants in the garden.
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Large hostas in garden with chair garden art.

Deer standing in home flower garden.

Related: Deer-proofing Your Garden: Does Anything Really Work?


Watch Hosta Care Tips

See tips on dividing hostas, growing hostas in containers, and sun and shade hosta suggestions.

YouTube video

Books

  • Field Guide to Hostas | Amazon
  • Book of Little Hostas | Amazon

Join Other Hosta Fans

United States

  • American Hosta Society

Canada

  • Ontario Hosta Society
  • South Western Ontario Hosta Society

If you like tips like these ones, be sure to sign up for the Empress of Dirt Newsletter. You’ll get fresh ideas every second Friday.

~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛

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Hosta plants in the garden.
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Melissa J. Will - Empress of DirtWelcome!
I’m Melissa J. Will a.k.a. the Empress of Dirt (Ontario, Canada).
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