Hosta - Ask Extension
I have a front yard that faces due East, so it gets morning sun until around noon. I was thinking of putting some Hosta plants in but have been told ...
Knowledgebase
Hosta #866403
Asked April 29, 2024, 11:26 PM EDT
I have a front yard that faces due East, so it gets morning sun until around noon. I was thinking of putting some Hosta plants in but have been told they don't do well with that much sun. Is there a variation of them that would work for me? Happy to take a call as well <personal data hidden>. Thanks,
Kurt
Arapahoe County Colorado
Expert Response
Hostas are considered part sun to shade plants. That means that it should not receive more than 5-6 hours of direct sunlight, especially the hot afternoon sun, so a due east orientation should be okay.
Morning sun is less harsh than afternoon sun, however, if your morning sun has reflective sun and heat from foundation, driveway, sidewalk, etc., the heat wouldn't be good for them.
If the light is dappled (filtered through the leaves of a tree), that is a good environment that contributes to the shade as well.
Hostas like even moisture, and are not drought tolerant. Too much sunlight causes leaves to scorch and bleach out, and the hot sun dries then out quickly.
The hours of sun to shade can be a little confusing:
Sun = more than 6 hours of direct sun per day
Part Sun = 4 to 6 hours of direct sun per day
Part Shade = 2 to 4 hours of direct sun per day, but not afternoon hot sun
Shade = less than 2 hours of direct sun per day
Both the University of Wisconsin and the University of Missouri have published information showing that variegated hosta varieties have less chlorophyll and will do better with a bit more sunlight. The dark green and blue-leaved hostas need more shade to remain healthy and keep their color.
https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2079/2014/02/HostasAndFerns.pdf
https://ipm.missouri.edu/meg/2024/3/hosta-dt/
Morning sun is less harsh than afternoon sun, however, if your morning sun has reflective sun and heat from foundation, driveway, sidewalk, etc., the heat wouldn't be good for them.
If the light is dappled (filtered through the leaves of a tree), that is a good environment that contributes to the shade as well.
Hostas like even moisture, and are not drought tolerant. Too much sunlight causes leaves to scorch and bleach out, and the hot sun dries then out quickly.
The hours of sun to shade can be a little confusing:
Sun = more than 6 hours of direct sun per day
Part Sun = 4 to 6 hours of direct sun per day
Part Shade = 2 to 4 hours of direct sun per day, but not afternoon hot sun
Shade = less than 2 hours of direct sun per day
Both the University of Wisconsin and the University of Missouri have published information showing that variegated hosta varieties have less chlorophyll and will do better with a bit more sunlight. The dark green and blue-leaved hostas need more shade to remain healthy and keep their color.
https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2079/2014/02/HostasAndFerns.pdf
https://ipm.missouri.edu/meg/2024/3/hosta-dt/
