Sun tolerant hosta varieties

Sun tolerant hostas are varieties whose grower or source describes them as taking full sun. Clemson Extension notes that some cultivars are sun-tolerant, but all do best with shade in the afternoon. The table below compares every variety we list side by side.

Varieties
7
Height
1–3 ft (38–91 cm)
Hardiness
USDA zones 3–9
Form

4 Large

2 Medium

1 Giant

Compare all 7 side by side

All 7 sun tolerant hosta varieties

Leaves of Big Daddy hosta up close Big Daddy Large hosta with thick, chalky blue, cupped and puckered leaves and white late summer flowers. Late summer2 ft (61 cm)Large
Leaves of Fragrant Bouquet hosta up close Fragrant Bouquet Large sun tolerant hosta with apple green leaves and creamy white margins. Late summer22 in (56 cm)Large
Leaves of Guacamole hosta up close Guacamole Medium hosta with glossy apple green leaves edged in dark green, tolerant of sun. Late summer1½–2 ft (46–61 cm)Medium
Leaves of Paradigm hosta up close Paradigm Large sun tolerant hosta with gold leaves edged in blue green. Midsummer22 in (56 cm)Large
Leaves of Royal Standard hosta up close Royal Standard Large hosta with glossy, wavy green leaves and white flowers in late summer. Late summer2 ft (66 cm)Large
Leaves of Stained Glass hosta up close Stained Glass Gold hosta with wide dark green margins, a 15 by 48 inch mound and pale lavender late summer flowers. Late summer15 in (38 cm)Medium
Leaves of Sum and Substance hosta up close Sum and Substance Giant hosta with glossy chartreuse to gold leaves and more sun tolerance than most hostas. Midsummer, Late summer3 ft (91 cm)Giant

How to choose

  1. Check the Sun column and plan for morning sun where you can. SDSU Extension says many hostas tolerate filtered light or morning sun, and that very few will do well in strong, direct light all day.

  2. Use the Color column. SDSU Extension writes that lighter foliage may need more sunlight, while dark-blue foliage keeps its color best in moderate to deep shade.

  3. Plan for water in a sunny spot. Clemson Extension says that in full sun leaf dieback may occur, especially during dry periods, and that hostas need an inch or more of water per week if rain does not supply it.

Compare side by side

Color Sunlight
Big Daddy Large 2 ft (61 cm) 3–9 Late summer Part shade, Full sun
Fragrant Bouquet Large 22 in (56 cm) 3–9 (estimated) Late summer Full sun, Part shade (estimated)
Guacamole Medium 1½–2 ft (46–61 cm) 3–9 Late summer Full sun, Part sun, Part shade, Full shade
Paradigm Large 22 in (56 cm) 3–9 (estimated) Midsummer Full sun, Part shade (estimated)
Royal Standard Large 2 ft (66 cm) 3–9 Late summer Full sun, Part sun, Part shade, Full shade
Stained Glass Medium 15 in (38 cm) 3–9 Late summer Full sun, Part shade, Full shade
Sum and Substance Giant 3 ft (91 cm) 3–9 Midsummer, Late summer Full sun, Part sun, Part shade

Values marked like this (estimated) are estimates.

Frequently asked questions

Can hostas grow in full sun?

Clemson Extension says that in full sun leaf color is pale and dieback may occur in dry periods, and SDSU Extension advises that all hostas need some shading.

How much water does a hosta in sun need?

SDSU Extension recommends moist but not wet soil and about one inch of water per week. Clemson Extension adds that yellow and cream leaf edges may brown during dry periods.

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