In this post, we’ll explore several standout cultivars that flourish in full sun, each bringing its unique flair to your garden.

Sum and Substance

When it comes to captivating garden aesthetics, ‘Sum and Substance’ is hard to beat. This hosta, known for its exceptional durability and stunning size, boasts large, rounded leaves that can grow up to a foot wide. Its vibrant chartreuse color takes on a golden hue in the presence of full sunlight, making it a striking focal point in any landscape.

One of the standout features of ‘Sum and Substance’ is its resistance to sun damage. While many hostas can exhibit leaf scorch with too much exposure, this variety has proven adept at handling brighter conditions. It blooms in mid-summer, presenting a spray of fragrant, pale lavender flowers that attract pollinators, adding to its allure.

Not just a pretty face, this hosta also offers excellent ground coverage due to its robust growth habit. Plant it along pathways, in large containers, or as a centerpiece in mixed borders to make a bold statement. Its resilience and adaptability make it perfect for the occasionally sunny spot in your garden.

Guacamole

‘Guacamole’ is another remarkable full-sun hosta that has captured the hearts of gardeners around the country. With a name inspired by the creamy, green dip, this cultivar features large, deeply veined leaves that stand out with their unique contrast of colors. The chartreuse centers are bordered by darker green edges, creating a visually appealing effect that brings depth to any garden setting.

This hosta thrives in full sun to partial shade, although gardeners have noted that it performs best with a little afternoon shade. The key to maximizing the beauty of ‘Guacamole’ lies in maintaining adequate moisture; its leaves are thick and resilient, but they still require regular watering to prevent wilting.

In addition to its striking appearance, ‘Guacamole’ blooms with lavender flowers in mid-summer, providing an additional layer of charm. This hardy variety can also tolerate a range of soil types, making it an excellent choice for a variety of landscapes. Use ‘Guacamole’ in sunny borders, or pair it with other sun-loving perennials to create a vibrant garden atmosphere.

Sun Power

As the name suggests, ‘Sun Power’ is an excellent choice for those looking to incorporate hostas into bright, sunny patches of their garden. This cultivar is celebrated for its stunning golden-yellow foliage that becomes even more vibrant in full sun. The leaves are rounded and slightly cupped, adding texture and interest to your garden design.

‘Sun Power’ is a relatively compact variety, typically reaching a mature height of about 18 inches. This makes it perfect for placing in the front of borders or in smaller containers where its color can take center stage. It’s an ideal plant for those who want to create a show-stopping feature without overwhelming a more petite space.

Moreover, the blooms of ‘Sun Power’ are a delightful surprise. Its tall flower spikes produce clusters of lavender flowers that rise above the foliage, creating a beautiful visual contrast. These flowers are not only ornamental but also attract bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems. With its bold presence and adaptability, ‘Sun Power’ redefines what hostas can be in your garden palette.

August Moon

‘August Moon’ is an exemplary full-sun hosta that encapsulates the essence of late-summer gardening beauty. The large, heart-shaped leaves are a rich, yellow-green, which brighten up any sunny garden area, even as other plants begin to fade. One of the most notable traits of ‘August Moon’ is its ability to retain its vibrant color, even under the full glaring sun, while other plants may struggle.

This hosta generally grows to about 24 inches tall, making it a versatile addition to various plantings. It pairs wonderfully with other flowering perennials, bridging the gap between leafy greens and colorful blossoms. Its hardiness ensures that it can withstand the heat of summer without losing its allure, making it a reliable choice for sunny spots.

Don’t forget to factor in the beautiful lavender blooms that emerge mid-summer. While the foliage is certainly the star of the show, the flowers provide a lovely backdrop and attract beneficial pollinators, enriching the garden’s biodiversity. ‘August Moon’ is a stellar choice for gardeners who enjoy a multi-season display.

Gold Standard

If you’re looking for a hosta that redefines the notion of golden foliage, look no further than ‘Gold Standard.’ This hybrid showcases brilliant yellow leaves edged with a contrasting dark green margin, creating a stunning interplay of colors that is sure to catch the eye. ‘Gold Standard’ is a versatile plant that thrives in full sun, making it a standout in sunny border gardens.

One of the appealing attributes of ‘Gold Standard’ is its resilience against leaf scorch, a common issue with many sun-loving plants. It displays a remarkable ability to maintain its colors and overall health, even in the brightness of summer. Additionally, this variety grows to about 20 inches in height, making it a great option for creating layers in a garden design.

Mid-summer brings delightful lavender flowers that create vertical interest and attract pollinators, enhancing the garden’s ecosystem. Its adaptability to various soil types ensures that ‘Gold Standard’ will thrive in a range of environments, from well-drained sandy soils to richer, moisture-retentive grounds. Plant it in mass groups for a show-stopping display of color that will elevate any sunny space.

Fried Green Tomatoes

‘Fried Green Tomatoes’ is a fun and charmingly named hosta that adds a playful element to your garden. This unique variety features leaves that are bright green with creamy yellow margins, evoking the feeling of late-summer garden treats. With its hearty nature, this hosta flourishes exceptionally well in full-sun conditions, making it a delightful choice for sunny spots.

The leaves itself are thick and bold, offering substantial texture. Growing to about 18 inches in height, ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’ works beautifully in both borders and container gardens. The contrast of colors in its leaves can create visual drama when paired with darker foliage or flowering plants.

During the summer months, this cultivar surprises with delicate pale lavender flowers that contrast beautifully with its leaves. These flowers aren’t just a pretty sight; they serve to attract a range of pollinators to the garden, fostering a more vibrant ecosystem. Incorporating ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’ into your garden will certainly bring both beauty and a sense of whimsy to your landscape.

Fragrant Bouquet

For gardeners who appreciate the sweet smells of nature, ‘Fragrant Bouquet’ is an outstanding choice. This hosta not only captivates with its beautiful, broad leaves but also offers a delightful fragrance, particularly when its flowers bloom. The rich green foliage is surrounded by light green margins, creating an inviting appearance in full sun or partial shade.

‘Fragrant Bouquet’ typically reaches a height of 24 inches, creating a striking presence in the landscape. Its adaptability to various light conditions makes it a versatile choice for gardens that experience both sunlight and shade throughout the day. However, its sweet-smelling blooms in mid-summer are the true stars, presenting clusters of lavender flowers that fill the garden with a lovely fragrance.

The enticing scent of its flowers, combined with the boldness of its foliage, creates an enchanting atmosphere, especially during evening garden strolls. This hosta is perfect for mixed borders, where its height can help provide a layered effect, while at the same time contributing to the sensory experience of your garden space. Pair ‘Fragrant Bouquet’ with other fragrant perennials to create an unforgettable olfactory and visual delight.

Royal Standard

Step into the world of elegance with ‘Royal Standard,’ a prestigious hosta known for its classic beauty and robustness. This variety boasts large, heart-shaped leaves with a vibrant green hue and striking creamy-white margins. ‘Royal Standard’ thrives in full sun yet remains adaptable to shadier areas, allowing gardeners to create seamless transitions throughout their landscapes.

Apart from its visual appeal, this hosta is prized for its durability and resilience. It’s a versatile grower that reaches heights of up to 30 inches, making it an excellent specimen for back borders or as a standalone feature. Its bold foliage is complemented by lavender flower spikes that rise elegantly above the leaves in mid-summer, adding a touch of sophistication.

The blooms are known to be fragrant, enticing a variety of garden pollinators and creating a lively environment. Use ‘Royal Standard’ in larger gardens to fill space but also consider it for container arrangements, where its grandeur can truly be appreciated. This hosta’s ability to thrive in diverse conditions helps to ensure that your garden maintains a regal splendor.

Regal Splendor

Finally, we arrive at ‘Regal Splendor,’ a hosta that fulfills its name with grace and elegance. This variety features stunning, wavy, blue-green leaves that complement any sunny garden beautifully. ‘Regal Splendor’ can thrive in full sun without compromising on color or vigor, making it an ideal option for those looking to accentuate their landscape with vibrant hostas.

Reaching up to 24 inches at maturity, this hosta is dazzling when planted in clusters, creating a lush spectacle of foliage. The contrast between its textured leaves and the smoothness of surrounding plants can generate an eye-pleasing landscape design. Additionally, it produces lovely lavender flower spikes that bloom in mid-summer, enriching the garden’s beauty further.

This variety is appreciated not just for its aesthetic appeal but also for its adaptability. It tolerates different soil types and conditions well, making it valuable for gardeners across various climates. By planting ‘Regal Splendor’ in your garden, you’re ensuring a sense of elegance and resilience, a true gem at the heart of your landscape design.