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Sun Tolerant & Fragrant HostasSun-tolerant HostasAlthough hostas are generally thought of as plants for shade, many exhibit some degree of sun tolerance. While few will tolerate full sun (H. Lancifolia, H. Flower Power, H. Undulata Albomarginata, and many yellows), many varieties thrive with several hours of sun every day, especially in the morning. (It is best to avoid full mid-day summer sun – i.e., from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.) Many of the lighter varieties, especially those with a lot of cream or white in the leaves, will grow poorly in deep shade, if at all, because of the low levels of chlorophyll in their leaves. Conversely, while the blues and dark greens are most suitable for deep shades, some of these will also tolerate partial sun, especially in the morning. Examples include H. ‘Blue Angel’ and H. ‘Blue Mammoth’. (As a rule, blues will be more green, and greens will be lighter in partial sun.) Fragrant hostas need partial sun to exhibit maximal fragrance. Because available moisture, soil quality, and summer heat will also affect hosta performance, a little experimentation with individual hostas in a particular garden may be required. A partial list of sun-tolerant hostas is given below.
Allen P. McConnell Fragrant HostasSome hosta growers are interested only in the foliage, and carefully remove the flower scapes as soon as they emerge. However, many others cherish the delightful sweet fragrance of some varieties. These can be enjoyed in the garden, where their soft perfume floats in the air on still summer days, or as long-lasting cut flowers. For example, the large fragrant white flowers of late-blooming hostas (H. Royal Standard, H. Plantaginea, H. Honeybells, H. Guacamole, among others) go together nicely in long-lasting mixed bouquets with chrysanthemums or asters. And of course the purple flowers, especially, are valued for attracting hummingbirds to the garden. Fragrant hostas need partial sun to exhibit maximal fragrance. A partial list of fragrant hostas is given below: Avocado |