Hostas for sun

The best hostas for sun include Guacamole, Sum and Substance, Fragrant Bouquet, August Moon, and Abba Dabba Do. These cultivars of Hosta spp. develop their brightest foliage color when grown in 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight rather than deep shade. Yellow, chartreuse, and gold-leaved varieties generally tolerate more sun than blue hostas, which tend to lose their waxy coating and scorch in bright light. The key to growing any hosta in sunny locations is consistent moisture, as sun-stressed plants without adequate water develop brown, crispy leaf edges.

For the sunniest spots in your garden, start with Guacamole or Sum and Substance. Both are large varieties with chartreuse foliage that actually improves with sun exposure. In hot climates (Zones 8 and 9), provide afternoon shade and ensure plants receive consistent water. Morning sun with afternoon shade works well for most sun-tolerant hostas.

Sun tolerance in hostas depends heavily on water availability. Research from the University of Minnesota Extension confirms that hostas can tolerate considerable sun exposure when soil moisture remains consistent, but they suffer rapid decline when drought stress combines with intense light (University of Minnesota Extension). Most hosta varieties can grow in sunny locations when planted with automated drip irrigation that keeps the root zone consistently moist.

Signs of sun stress appear first at the leaf edges. Brown, crispy margins indicate the plant needs more water or afternoon shade. If you notice browning around the perimeter of leaves, increase watering frequency or relocate the plant to a spot with morning sun only. Proper hosta watering becomes even more critical in sunny locations than in the shaded spots where these plants naturally thrive.

Guacamole hosta

Guacamole hosta is an award-winning medium to large variety with striking variegated foliage. The leaves feature lime-green chartreuse centers surrounded by irregular dark green streaking at the margins. This cultivar received the American Hosta Growers Association Hosta of the Year award, recognizing its exceptional garden performance and beauty.

Guacamole develops its most vibrant color when grown in full sun. The chartreuse centers brighten considerably with sun exposure, while shade-grown plants tend toward a duller green. In mild climates (Zones 3 through 7), this variety can handle full sun throughout the day with consistent watering. Gardeners in hot climates (Zones 8 and 9) should limit direct sun to morning hours and provide afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch. Fragrant white flowers appear in late summer, adding another dimension to this outstanding shade plant that also thrives in sun.

Sum and Substance hosta

Sum and Substance is a giant hosta with massive chartreuse to golden yellow leaves that can reach 2 feet long. This cultivar is one of the largest hostas available, forming impressive clumps 3 to 4 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide at maturity. The thick, heavily textured leaves resist slug damage better than thin-leaved varieties.

Sum and Substance produces its brightest, most golden foliage in sunny locations. Plants grown in deep shade remain lime green and never develop the rich yellow tones that make this variety so striking. In mild climates, Sum and Substance can grow in full sun all day when soil moisture remains consistent. The large leaves lose water rapidly through transpiration, so automated irrigation is particularly important for this giant. Provide afternoon shade in Zones 8 and 9 to protect the expansive foliage from harsh afternoon sun.

Fragrant Bouquet hosta

Fragrant Bouquet is a medium to large variegated hosta with bright apple-green leaves edged in creamy white. As the name suggests, this cultivar produces sweetly scented flowers that perfume the garden in late summer. The fragrance is strong enough to enjoy from several feet away, making Fragrant Bouquet an excellent choice for planting near patios and seating areas.

This variety is exceptionally sun tolerant. The bright green leaf color intensifies with sun exposure, while the creamy margins remain crisp and clean. Fragrant Bouquet can handle full sun in Zones 3 through 7 with consistent moisture. Even in hot climates (Zones 8 and 9), this cultivar needs only light afternoon shade rather than the heavy protection required by less sun-tolerant varieties. The combination of fragrant flowers, attractive foliage, and sun tolerance makes Fragrant Bouquet one of the most versatile hostas for mixed borders and hosta companion plantings.

August Moon hosta

August Moon is a large hosta with rounded, heavily textured leaves that emerge chartreuse in spring and mature to bright golden yellow by midsummer. The puckered leaf surface adds visual interest and helps this variety resist slug feeding. August Moon forms substantial clumps 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide.

This cultivar develops its brightest yellow coloration with 4 to 6 hours of direct morning sun. Plants grown in full shade remain green and never achieve the luminous gold that makes August Moon so appealing. In climates with hot, dry summers, provide afternoon shade to prevent the large leaves from desiccating. Consistent moisture is essential for maintaining healthy foliage throughout the growing season. August Moon pairs beautifully with blue hostas planted nearby in shadier spots, creating striking color contrast in the garden.

Carolina Sunshine hosta

Carolina Sunshine is a medium-sized variegated hosta with dark green centers and wide, ruffled golden yellow margins. The wavy leaf edges create an elegant, flowing appearance that adds movement to garden beds. This cultivar forms neat mounds approximately 15 inches tall and 30 inches wide.

As the name suggests, Carolina Sunshine is bred for sun tolerance. The yellow margins brighten considerably in sunny locations, while the dark green centers provide attractive contrast. This variety can handle full sun in most climates when planted with consistent irrigation. Without adequate water, the leaf margins brown and curl, detracting from the ornamental effect. Carolina Sunshine works well in sunny border fronts where its ruffled foliage can be appreciated up close.

Gold Regal hosta

Gold Regal is a large hosta with distinctive upright-facing leaves rather than the typical mounding habit. The foliage is chartreuse to golden yellow with a slightly waxy surface that helps protect against sun damage. Plants form vase-shaped clumps 2 to 3 feet tall, with leaves held at an angle that shows off their color.

This sun-tolerant variety develops much brighter yellow-green coloration in sunny locations than in shade. Gold Regal can grow in full sun in mild climates (Zones 3 through 6) with consistent moisture. In warmer zones, the upright leaves benefit from afternoon shade to prevent scorching on the exposed upper surfaces. The unusual growth habit makes Gold Regal an excellent focal point or accent plant in hosta garden designs.

Diana Remembered hosta

Diana Remembered is a medium-sized variegated cultivar with deep green leaves bordered by wide, creamy white margins. The broad white edges create a bold, high-contrast appearance that stands out in the garden. This variety typically grows 18 inches tall and 36 inches wide at maturity.

Diana Remembered tolerates more sun than many white-margined hostas, which often scorch in bright light. This cultivar can thrive in full sun in areas with mild summers but requires afternoon shade in climates with hot, intense afternoon sun. The white margins are particularly susceptible to burning, so consistent moisture and some protection from the harshest rays help maintain clean, attractive foliage throughout the season.

Abba Dabba Do hosta

Abba Dabba Do is a giant variegated hosta with dramatically rippled leaves. The dark olive-green centers are surrounded by irregular golden yellow margins that undulate along the leaf edges. This cultivar can reach 2 feet tall and 4 feet wide, making a bold statement in the landscape.

This variety is a selected mutation from the sun-tolerant Sun Power hosta and inherited exceptional tolerance for bright light. Abba Dabba Do grows well in full sun even in climates with hot summers, though consistent moisture remains essential. The yellow margins brighten significantly in sunny locations, intensifying the contrast with the dark centers. Few giant hostas handle sun as well as Abba Dabba Do, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want large, dramatic foliage in a sunny border.

Korean Snow hosta

Korean Snow is a small to medium hosta with dark green leaves streaked and speckled with white variegation. The irregular markings give each leaf a unique, painterly appearance. Plants form compact mounds approximately 12 inches tall and 24 inches wide.

This cultivar develops its best variegation with morning sun exposure. Korean Snow is less sun tolerant than some other varieties on this list and typically needs afternoon shade or frequent watering to prevent leaf damage. The white streaking is particularly vulnerable to scorching in hot afternoon sun. Plant Korean Snow where it receives 4 to 6 hours of morning light followed by dappled shade for the remainder of the day.

Crystal Moon hosta

Crystal Moon is a medium to large variegated hosta with dark green leaves edged in clean white margins. The white borders are wider and more defined than those on Korean Snow, creating a more formal appearance. White flowers complement the foliage variegation in summer.

Like Korean Snow, Crystal Moon performs best with morning sun and afternoon shade rather than full sun throughout the day. The white leaf margins can burn in intense afternoon light, developing brown, papery edges that detract from the plant’s appearance. Consistent moisture helps protect the variegated foliage from sun stress. Plant Crystal Moon in locations that receive bright morning light with protection from harsh afternoon rays.

Tips for growing hostas in sunny locations

Any hosta can tolerate more sun than most gardeners expect, provided water is abundant. The key is matching sun exposure to irrigation capacity.

Install automated irrigation. Hostas in sunny spots need near-constant access to moisture. Manual watering rarely provides the consistency these plants require in full sun. A drip irrigation system on a timer ensures plants receive water even when you forget or are away from home.

Choose yellow and chartreuse varieties. Gold, yellow, and chartreuse hostas generally handle sun better than blue varieties. Blue hostas get their color from a waxy coating that melts away in strong sun, leaving the leaves green and often scorched. If you want hostas in a sunny spot, start with Guacamole, Sum and Substance, or August Moon rather than blue cultivars like Halcyon or Blue Angel.

Prioritize morning sun. Morning light is gentler than afternoon sun. A location with 4 to 6 hours of morning sun followed by afternoon shade provides enough light for good foliage color while reducing stress during the hottest part of the day.

Mulch generously. Apply 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch around hostas to conserve soil moisture and keep roots cool. Keep mulch a few inches away from the crown to prevent rot. Replenish mulch as it breaks down throughout the growing season.

Watch for browning leaf edges. Brown, crispy margins around the perimeter of leaves indicate sun stress, usually from insufficient water. Increase irrigation frequency or provide additional afternoon shade if you notice this symptom. Catching the problem early prevents further damage and keeps plants looking their best.

Consider climate zones. Sun tolerance varies by climate. A hosta that thrives in full sun in Zone 5 may scorch in Zone 8. Hot-summer climates require more afternoon shade and more frequent irrigation than cooler regions. Adjust expectations and care based on your specific growing conditions. For more guidance on growing these versatile perennials, see our complete hosta care guide.