13 Hostas Tolerant of Sunny Conditions

Hostas are traditionally known for thriving in shaded areas, but there are varieties that can tolerate sunny conditions as well. With the right care, these sun-tolerant hostas can add beauty to your garden, even in areas with more sunlight. Planting hostas in a sunny spot may require choosing the right type, as some are better equipped to handle the heat. If you are looking to grow hostas in full sun, you can still achieve great results with the right varieties. Let us explore some of the best options that can handle those sunnier spots in your garden.

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Hosta ‘Sum and Substance’

‘Sum and Substance’ is a large and impressive hosta that thrives in sunny spots, tolerating up to 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. This variety can handle more sun than most other hostas, but it still benefits from some afternoon shade in hotter climates. The leaves are thick, heart-shaped, and golden yellow, making it a standout in any garden. With its broad, textured leaves, ‘Sum and Substance’ can withstand heat and dry conditions better than many other hostas.

To keep this hosta in top shape, provide well-drained, moist soil to help retain hydration during sunnier days. It grows quickly and can reach up to 3 feet in height, providing an eye-catching focal point in your garden. ‘Sum and Substance’ is a great choice for areas with a bit of sun, adding both size and color. Regular watering will help it thrive, especially in warmer weather.

Hosta ‘June’

‘June’ is a smaller, sun-tolerant hosta with blue-green leaves that turn a vibrant golden-yellow in the sunlight. It can tolerate about 3-4 hours of direct sun, making it suitable for gardens with partial sunlight or morning sun. The contrast between the green and gold gives ‘June’ a unique look, adding a touch of color to sunny garden areas. Though it can handle more sun than traditional hostas, it is important to provide some shade in the hottest parts of the day.

This variety has a compact growth habit, reaching around 18-24 inches in height, making it an excellent choice for borders or container planting. ‘June’ is a low-maintenance hosta that thrives in moist, well-drained soil. It is ideal for gardeners who want a hosta that can handle a bit more sun without sacrificing beauty. With the right care, ‘June’ will bring a burst of color to your garden all summer long.

Hosta ‘First Frost’

‘First Frost’ is a striking variety with blue-green leaves that have a creamy white edge. It can tolerate up to 4-5 hours of direct sunlight, especially when planted in the early morning or late afternoon sun. The white margins become more pronounced in sunnier conditions, giving this hosta a unique look compared to others. While it enjoys sun, it is important to protect it from the harsh midday heat to prevent leaf burn.

‘First Frost’ grows to a height of 18-24 inches, making it a great choice for smaller gardens or borders. It prefers consistently moist soil, which will help it thrive in sunnier spots. This hosta is perfect for gardeners looking to add variety and contrast with its blue and white foliage. With its sun tolerance and distinctive appearance, ‘First Frost’ is a must-have for sunny gardens.

Hosta ‘Patriot’

‘Patriot’ is known for its bold, white-edged green leaves, and it can tolerate 4-5 hours of direct sunlight each day. This variety performs well in partial sun to full sun, especially when the sun exposure is limited to the morning or evening hours. ‘Patriot’ reaches around 18-24 inches in height and is perfect for adding contrast to your garden. It is a hardy variety that can endure heat better than most hostas, making it an excellent choice for sunny areas.

While it is sun-tolerant, ‘Patriot’ benefits from moist, well-drained soil to keep its roots cool and healthy. The striking color contrast between its green center and white margins makes it a popular option for garden beds and borders. Regular watering is recommended to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hotter days. ‘Patriot’ is a reliable and attractive option for gardeners in need of a sun-tolerant hosta.

Hosta ‘Halcyon’

‘Halcyon’ is a stunning blue hosta that thrives in partial sun, tolerating up to 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. Its blue leaves maintain their color even in sunnier conditions, giving it a cool, calming presence in the garden. While ‘Halcyon’ prefers some shade in the afternoon, it can adapt to sunny spots, especially in cooler climates. This hosta grows to a height of 18-24 inches, making it a versatile option for a variety of garden settings.

For optimal growth, ‘Halcyon’ requires consistently moist soil, but it is relatively low-maintenance. It is perfect for adding a pop of cool color to sunny or partially shaded gardens. The striking blue foliage makes ‘Halcyon’ stand out among other hostas, adding interest and texture to your outdoor space. With its ability to handle sun exposure, it is an ideal choice for gardeners looking to create a sun-tolerant hosta garden.

Hosta ‘Blue Angel’

‘Blue Angel’ is one of the larger sun-tolerant hostas, known for its broad, blue-green leaves that can handle up to 4 hours of direct sunlight. This variety can grow up to 36 inches in height, making it a dramatic addition to any garden. While it thrives in partial shade, it can tolerate some sun exposure, especially in cooler climates or areas with high humidity. Its large leaves make it an eye-catching focal point in any sunny garden.

‘Blue Angel’ benefits from moist, well-drained soil and can handle periods of dry weather better than many other hostas. Its large size and bold color make it an excellent choice for creating contrast in the garden. Whether placed in containers or garden beds, ‘Blue Angel’ adds texture and beauty. With a bit of sun, this variety will thrive and continue to impress with its stunning foliage.

Hosta ‘Guacamole’

‘Guacamole’ is a unique hosta with chartreuse leaves that turn golden yellow when exposed to more sunlight. It can tolerate 4-5 hours of sun each day, making it one of the more sun-friendly varieties. The leaves have a glossy texture, and the plant’s overall appearance becomes more vibrant when grown in sunny conditions. This variety reaches about 18-24 inches in height and spreads to around 36 inches wide, making it a great option for borders and garden beds.

To keep ‘Guacamole’ thriving in sunny conditions, it is essential to provide it with plenty of water, especially during the hotter months. It prefers moist, well-drained soil, which will help retain hydration in sun-exposed spots. The bright, bold color of the leaves makes this hosta a standout in any sunny garden. For gardeners who want a sun-tolerant hosta that offers both beauty and resilience, ‘Guacamole’ is an excellent choice.

Hosta ‘Fire Island’

‘Fire Island’ is a sun-tolerant hosta that features vibrant, yellow-green leaves with a red petiole, adding a pop of color to your garden. It can tolerate up to 4-5 hours of direct sunlight each day, though it performs best with some afternoon shade. Reaching about 18-24 inches in height, this variety works well in both borders and containers. Its striking color contrast makes it an eye-catching addition to any sunny spot in the garden.

To keep ‘Fire Island’ thriving, ensure it has rich, well-drained soil and is regularly watered to maintain moisture. This hosta’s bold colors are especially vibrant when it is grown in areas with a little more sun. It is ideal for gardeners looking for a colorful, low-maintenance plant that can handle some sun exposure. ‘Fire Island’ is a reliable and visually appealing choice for sunny garden spaces.

Hosta ‘El Nino’

‘El Nino’ is a smaller, sun-tolerant hosta with unique variegated leaves that are blue-green with creamy white edges. It can handle 3-4 hours of direct sunlight each day, making it an ideal choice for partially sunny spots. This variety grows to around 18 inches in height, making it perfect for smaller gardens or containers. The contrasting colors of ‘El Nino’ make it a standout, especially when grown in sunnier areas.

For optimal growth, ‘El Nino’ needs moist, well-drained soil, which will help it withstand sunny conditions. While it does well in partial sun, some afternoon shade is recommended for the best color development. This hosta’s compact size and striking appearance make it a great addition to borders, containers, or mixed plantings. ‘El Nino’ adds both color and texture to any sunny garden.

Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’

‘Krossa Regal’ is a striking hosta that can tolerate up to 4-5 hours of sunlight each day, especially when planted in cooler climates. Its large, blue leaves with a slightly waxy texture help it withstand heat better than other varieties. This hosta grows up to 30 inches in height, with a spread of around 36 inches, making it a prominent feature in any garden. It can thrive in full sun with proper moisture and care, making it a great option for sunny spots.

For best results, plant ‘Krossa Regal’ in rich, well-drained soil that retains moisture. Its blue leaves look even more vibrant when exposed to the sun, especially in cooler areas. This hosta is perfect for creating a focal point in garden beds or as a backdrop for other plants. With proper care, ‘Krossa Regal’ will thrive in both sunny and partly shaded environments.

Hosta ‘Abiqua Drinking Gourd’

‘Abiqua Drinking Gourd’ is a stunning sun-tolerant hosta known for its heavily corrugated, blue-green leaves. It can tolerate up to 3-4 hours of direct sunlight, although it thrives best with some afternoon shade. This variety grows to a height of 18-24 inches and spreads to about 36 inches. Its unusual leaf texture and color make it a unique addition to any garden, especially in sunnier locations.

This hosta needs well-drained, consistently moist soil to thrive in sunny conditions. Its corrugated leaves make it stand out among other hostas, adding both texture and color. ‘Abiqua Drinking Gourd’ is a low-maintenance variety, making it perfect for gardeners who want a stunning plant that tolerates sun and heat. Regular watering will help it remain healthy in sunny spots, ensuring a striking focal point in the garden.

Hosta ‘Frances Williams’

‘Frances Williams’ is a popular sun-tolerant hosta known for its large, heart-shaped leaves with yellow margins. It can tolerate about 3-4 hours of direct sunlight each day, though some afternoon shade is ideal for the best color development. Reaching up to 24 inches in height, ‘Frances Williams’ is perfect for adding contrast to shaded or partially sunny garden beds. The yellow margins of the leaves become more prominent with exposure to sunlight.

For optimal growth, ‘Frances Williams’ should be planted in moist, well-drained soil that helps retain moisture during hotter months. This hosta is great for gardeners who want a plant that can handle both sun and shade, providing versatility in garden placement. The bold, variegated leaves add dimension and beauty to any outdoor space. With the right care, ‘Frances Williams’ will thrive in a sunny garden, offering both beauty and resilience.

Hosta ‘So Sweet’

‘So Sweet’ is a delightful hosta variety known for its creamy white edges and green center. This hosta can handle up to 4 hours of direct sunlight, particularly in cooler climates or morning sun. It grows to about 18-24 inches tall, making it a great choice for borders and smaller garden spaces. The creamy edges become more pronounced in the sun, adding a touch of brightness to any garden.

‘So Sweet’ prefers moist, well-drained soil that will keep its roots cool, especially during the warmer months. It is a low-maintenance hosta that requires minimal care once established. This variety’s charming appearance makes it a great addition to sunny garden spots. With proper sun exposure and care, ‘So Sweet’ will add a touch of elegance to your outdoor space.

Sun-tolerant hostas are perfect for gardeners who want to enjoy the beauty of these plants in sunnier spots. By understanding the specific needs of these varieties, you can create a lush, vibrant garden full of unique textures and colors. These hostas offer an ideal balance between beauty and durability.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.