Hostas and Sunlight

Like any plant, hostas and heucheras need sun. But the right type (early morning, late afternoon, dappled sun, full sun, etc) and amount of sun are crucial for best results. To determine the best sun scenario, you need to find the balance between the amount of moisture, the type of soil, and the individual plant's needs.  Keep in mind it is fun to experiment.  Tthe same plant can have often three or more different colors garden depending upon the light it is growing in.  And, the colors of the surrounding plants can also enhance certain colors.

H. 'Blue Angel'

Each variety of hosta and heuchera may have slightly different light requirements.     Our HostaSearch™ Database lists the suggested light tolerance of many hostas (see heuchera table for heucheras) . As an example,species hosta H. plantaginea and most of its hybrids can be grown in full sun in many regions. Hostas will grow in almost any light condition, but they may not thrive or have good color in every light condition. More sun is required to grow good flowers. Shade from 12 to 4pm also keeps hostas' foliage looking its best. You can use ornamental grasses, trees, shrubs, arbors, pergolas, trellises, shade clothes, and climbing vines to provide extra shade. Remember, you can always move your hostas to different locations if necessary. Consider planting hostas with larger leaves in deeper shade as these plants lose more moisture from the leaves. Darker colored hostas have more chlorophyll in them and thus need less light.   Conversely, hostas with less green in them often require more light.  Hostas that are medio-variegated (white centered) can tend to burn unless the cultivar has thicker leaves.   Remember that the position and the intensity of the sun changes and trees lose and gain their leaves during the growing season.

To learn about hosta colors and influences to hosta colors, visit our Hosta Colors page.

Full sun:

Hostas with green, chartreuse or yellow leaves are able to handle more sun provided there is adequate moisture for the roots. Depending upon the variety, hostas can grow in full sun but need plenty of water to survive. However, full sun can make the hosta burn and brown later in the season, especially if the roots are not getting enough moisture. If you grow hostas in stronger afternoon sun, make sure you water them more. Hostas that can tolerate more sun are noted in our HostaSearch™ Database. Hostas grown in more sun will create more roots, grow faster, and have more leaves, but they will also have longer and narrower leaves, and colors that may look more bleached or washed out. See the color difference in two 'May' hostas grown in different light conditions. Occasionally, the hosta leaves can bleach and lose color without burning. This video shows this phenomenon.

Bleached Leaves

Shade:

Shade varies in intensity. Light cast by a high tree canopy is only partial shade and ideal for hostas. Hostas with blue-green leaves and white variegation, whether in the center or margins, do best in shaded areas.  Consider making your own shade by purchasing 50% to 60% shade cloth from your local nursery supply store.

Sun and Slopes

Owner Tom Carlson shows the stunted growth of a Hosta 'Mr. Big' planted side-by-side due to lack of sun. 

Gray and blue hostas:

Hostas are gray or blue because the specific cultivar (type of hosta) has a gene that creates extra wax on the top and/or bottom side of the leaf. Direct sun can cause this wax to melt off, which causes the hosta to show its underlying green color. Some varieties have more intense blue color and some hold their blue or gray color longer.   The wax might also rub off due to high winds or water dripping off a roof.

Gold hostas:

Generally, gold hostas will tolerate more intense sunlight better than other hostas. Most yellow hostas also require more sun  to bring out their full color potential. See H. 'May' leaf example above.

Fragrant Hostas | Hosta Maintenance | Yellow Hostas

Seasonal Hosta Care | Hosta Garden Information