Think hostas only thrive in the shade?
Think again!
These sun-tolerant varieties bring bold color, lush foliage, and even fragrant blooms to the brightest spots in your garden.
Here are nine stunning hostas that can handle full sun and still look amazing all season long!
Sun-Tolerant Hostas for Stunning Sunny Landscapes
1. ‘Sum and Substance’
Massive, chartreuse leaves bring bold color to the garden while resisting sun scorch better than most hostas.
Thick foliage helps deter slugs, and in late summer, pale lavender flowers attract pollinators.
More sunlight deepens the golden tones, making this variety a standout in bright spaces.
• USDA Growing Zones: 3-9
• Average Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 3-6 feet wide
• Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun
• Botanical Name: Hosta ‘Sum and Substance’
2. ‘Guacamole’
Bright green leaves with darker margins resemble the creamy flesh of an avocado, especially when exposed to sun.
Tolerates more sunlight than most hostas and rewards gardeners with fragrant, pale lavender flowers in mid-summer.
Performs well in a variety of conditions but shows the most vibrant color with a mix of sun and shade.
• USDA Growing Zones: 3-9
• Average Mature Size: 18-24 inches tall, 3-4 feet wide
• Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun
• Botanical Name: Hosta ‘Guacamole’
3. ‘Sun Power’
Golden-yellow foliage adds a warm, sunny glow to garden beds and holds its color even in direct sun.
Leaves twist slightly as they mature, creating a unique, rippled texture.
Strong, upright growth makes this hosta an excellent choice for adding height and structure to sunny spaces.
• USDA Growing Zones: 3-9
• Average Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide
• Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun
• Botanical Name: Hosta ‘Sun Power’
4. ‘August Moon’
Lush, golden-yellow foliage thrives in bright conditions and resists sun scorch when given consistent moisture.
The broad, heart-shaped leaves develop deeper tones with increased sun exposure.
Lavender flowers bloom in late summer, adding seasonal interest to the landscape.
• USDA Growing Zones: 3-9
• Average Mature Size: 18-24 inches tall, 3-4 feet wide
• Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun
• Botanical Name: Hosta ‘August Moon’
5. ‘Gold Standard’
Vibrant, golden leaves with dark green edges become richer in color when exposed to sunlight.
Adaptable and hardy, this variety holds up well in different light conditions and continues to thrive throughout the season.
Light purple flowers appear in midsummer, adding extra charm to its glowing foliage.
• USDA Growing Zones: 3-9
• Average Mature Size: 18-24 inches tall, 3-4 feet wide
• Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun
• Botanical Name: Hosta ‘Gold Standard’
6. ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’
Shiny, apple-green foliage holds up well in sunny conditions, unlike many other hostas.
Large, fragrant white flowers bloom in late summer, making this variety a great choice for both foliage and floral appeal.
Strong, upright growth gives it a striking presence in garden beds and borders.
• USDA Growing Zones: 3-9
• Average Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide
• Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun
• Botanical Name: Hosta ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’
7. ‘Fragrant Bouquet’
Soft, apple-green leaves with creamy margins make ‘Fragrant Bouquet’ a delightful addition to sunny gardens.
This variety is known for its large, fragrant white flowers that bloom in late summer, attracting pollinators.
Its sun tolerance and vibrant foliage add brightness to any landscape.
• USDA Growing Zones: 3-9
• Average Mature Size: 18-24 inches tall, 3-4 feet wide
• Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun
• Botanical Name: Hosta ‘Fragrant Bouquet’
8. ‘Royal Standard’
Glossy, medium-green leaves characterize ‘Royal Standard,’ a hosta that performs admirably in sunny locations.
In late summer, it produces fragrant white flowers that add elegance to the garden.
Its vigorous growth and resilience make it a reliable choice for various settings.
• USDA Growing Zones: 3-9
• Average Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide
• Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun
• Botanical Name: Hosta ‘Royal Standard’
9. ‘Regal Splendor’
Frosty blue-green leaves with creamy white margins give this hosta an elegant, sun-tolerant presence in the garden.
Its upright, vase-shaped growth habit adds height and structure to garden beds.
Lavender flowers bloom in late summer, providing additional beauty and attracting pollinators.
• USDA Growing Zones: 3-9
• Average Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide
• Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun
• Botanical Name: Hosta ‘Regal Splendor’
