Hostas That Tolerate Sun: A Guide to Beautiful, Hardy Shade-Loving Plants

If you're like most gardeners, you know that hostas are some of the most popular and beloved shade-loving plants in the world. But what you may not know is that many hostas can also tolerate sun, making them versatile and hardy additions to any garden or landscaping project.

In this post, we'll take a closer look at some of the best hostas for full sun, as well as tips for growing and caring for these beautiful plants. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just ing out, there's something here for everyone. So let's dive in!

Choosing the Right Hostas for Sun

Before you planting, it's important to choose the right hostas for the amount of sunlight in your garden. While most hostas prefer partial to full shade, there are several varieties that can handle more direct sunlight. Some of the best hostas for sun include:

1. 'Guacamole'

This medium-sized hosta features thick, glossy leaves with bright green centers and creamy yellow margins. It's known for its tolerance to sun and heat, and can even do well in full afternoon sun with proper care.

2. 'Sum and Substance'

One of the largest hostas available, 'Sum and Substance' features huge, chartreuse leaves that make a bold statement in any garden. This variety can also tolerate more sun than most hostas, although it may still need some protection during the hottest part of the day.

3. 'Patriot'

With dark green leaves and bright white margins, 'Patriot' is a classic hosta that can handle more sun than others in its class. It's also resistant to slug damage, making it a popular choice for gardeners across the country.

4. 'June'

This striking hosta features blue-green leaves with bright yellow margins that are sure to catch the eye. While it prefers partial shade, 'June' can still thrive in areas with more direct sunlight, as long as it's provided with enough water and nutrients.

Growing and Caring for Sun-Tolerant Hostas

Once you've chosen the right hostas for your garden, it's important to give them the care they need to thrive in full sun. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Choose the Right Location

When planting hostas that can handle more sun, it's important to choose a location that provides some shade during the hottest part of the day. This will help protect the plants from heat stress and sunburn, which can cause their leaves to wilt or turn brown.

2. Water Them Regularly

Hostas that tolerate sun need plenty of water to stay healthy and hydrated. Make sure to water them deeply at least once a week, and more often during hot, dry weather.

3. Fertilize Them Properly

To help your sun-tolerant hostas grow strong and healthy, it's important to fertilize them regularly with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. This will provide them with the nutrients they need to produce robust leaves and blooms.

4. Protect Them from Pests and Diseases

Like all plants, hostas are susceptible to pests and diseases that can damage or kill them over time. To keep your sun-tolerant hostas healthy, make sure to check them regularly for signs of damage, and treat any problems as soon as possible.

Recommended Companion Plants for Sun-Tolerant Hostas

If you're looking to create a beautiful, harmonious garden with your sun-tolerant hostas, there are several other plants that make great companions. Here are a few to consider:

1. Daylilies

These hardy, low-maintenance plants produce stunning blooms in a wide range of colors, making them the perfect complement to your hostas' foliage.

2. Coneflowers

With their bold, colorful blooms and long blooming season, coneflowers are an excellent choice for adding interest and texture to your garden.

3. Black-Eyed Susans

These cheery, daisy-like flowers are easy to grow and provide a bright pop of color that's sure to catch the eye.

FAQs

1. Do all hostas prefer shade?

Most hostas do prefer partial to full shade, but there are several varieties that can handle more direct sunlight.

2. How much sun can hostas tolerate?

This varies depending on the variety of hosta, but most sun-tolerant hostas can handle anywhere from 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

3. Can hostas be planted in containers?

Yes! Hostas can be grown in containers as long as they're provided with plenty of water, nutrients, and a well-draining potting mix.

4. How often should I fertilize my hostas?

It's a good idea to fertilize your hostas once every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.

5. What should I do if my hostas to wilt or turn brown?

This may be a sign that your hostas are getting too much sun or not enough water. Try moving them to a shadier location and watering them more frequently to see if this helps.



With the right care and attention, sun-tolerant hostas can be a beautiful and hardy addition to any garden or landscaping project. Remember to choose the right varieties for your garden's sunlight levels, and give them plenty of water, nutrients, and protection from pests and diseases. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating a stunning garden full of lush, vibrant hostas that thrive in the sun.