You should not plant hostas in the sun completely carelessly and lost in thought. This can backfire. The reason: The majority of hostas cannot tolerate sun. Why is this so and are there specimens that can tolerate direct sunlight?
Can hostas tolerate sun?
Hocas are suitable for shady to semi-shady locations, but some varieties such as gold-edged hosta or green-edged hosta 'Guacamole' can tolerate some sunlight in the morning or evening. However, they should stay away from the midday sun and south-facing balconies to avoid fading and burns.
Funkia – not designed for direct sun
The hostas are mainly found in forest areas. There they grow in the shade of the treetops above them and cover the forest floor below them. For this reason, hostas are generally not made for direct sun.
In the sun, the soil dries out quickly and hostas inevitably need a moist environment in order to grow well. A shady to semi-shady location is therefore more suitable for them.
Ready to compromise: These varieties tolerate sunlight
If you choose a green-leaved hosta, you can plant it in the sun if necessary. Varieties with fragrant flowers also develop their scent better if they receive some sunlight. Last but not least, there are varieties with golden yellow leaves that shine more beautifully with a portion of sunlight.
But don't take this lightly: hostas should never be exposed to the merciless midday sun! A location on a south-facing balcony is also completely unsuitable for hostas, as it gets far too hot there in summer. A location where the hostas receive sun in the morning or evening is better.
Do not place blue-leaved and variegated varieties in the sun
A hosta that has blue foliage or variegated foliage should not be planted in the sun. Only a shady or semi-shady location is possible here. Such varieties fade in full sun. They can also burn (brown spots), especially if they have a light leaf center.
These varieties tolerate some sunlight
If you decide to plant a hosta in the sun, choose one of the following sun-tolerant species/varieties:
- Korea Funkie
- Gold-rimmed Hosta
- Funkie 'Fragrant Bouquet'
- Wavy Gold Hosta
- Gold Hosta 'Gold Edger'
- Green Edge Hosta 'Guacamole'
- Large white-edged hosta 'Regal Splendor'
Tip
When it comes to hostas, it's better to transplant than to keep the wrong (sunny) location and run the risk of them fading and burning.
