The Most Sun Tolerant And Resistant Hosta Lilies

When thinking about Hosta lilies shade is usually what first comes to mind. Though all Hosta varieties will grow in shade to partial shade, others have demonstrated the ability to tolerate more sun. Even most shade-loving Hosta varieties will appreciate a few hours of morning sun or filtered sun to perform and look and flower their best. That said. I don't suggest planting any variety of Hosta in all-day full sun where leaves on plants exposed to mid-afternoon direct sunlight will often suffer some leaf scorch or discoloration. This is especially true in warmer climates of the South.

Based on my many years of growing hostas in my own gardens and at our nursery, it's the varieties with yellow or golden leaves and/or fragrant flowers that tend to handle more sun, though this isn't always true. In general though, hostas with yellow leaves will need at least a few hours of direct sunlight in the morning or evening to display their best color. For example, the leaves of 'Sum & Substance', a yellow leaved hosta, will turn to a chartreuse to apple green color in mostly shade. As with the yellow hostas, to encourage the best flower development, fragrant hostas in the species Hosta plantaginea will also need at least a couple hours of direct sun exposure.

Hostas with blue, green or mostly white leaves tend to prefer life on the shadier side. That said, in the listing of sun tolerant varieties below, you'll find some green and variegated varieties that are known to tolerate more sun.

Based on my experience and from feedback from many customers over the years, and from the American Hosta Society, here's a list of the Hosta lily varieties that are known to tolerate more sun. Keep in mind that dependent on your location and the exact sun exposure and other growing conditions, and the specific preferences of sunique varieties, results may vary.

August Moon, Gold Regal, Golden Sculpture Rising Sun, Squash Casserole, Sum and Substance, Sun Power

Gold Standard, Inniswood, Regal Splendor, Sundance

Hosta plantaginea, Aphrodite, Fragrant Bouquet, Fried Green Tomatoes, Guacamole, Honeybells, Invincible, Royal Standard, Summer Fragrance, So Sweet, Sugar & Cream

Hosta undulata 'Albomarginata', Francee, Minuteman, Patriot

Invincible, Pearl Lake