Types of Sun Tolerant Hosta, Heuchera, and Ferns
July 23, 2024
While hosta, ferns, and heuchera (coral bells) are typically considered best for shady or part-sun locations, some varieties do well in sunny spots. If grown in sunny locations, all of these will do better with consistent, sufficient moisture and soils with a good amount of organic matter. For some hostas and heucheras, brighter sun exposure actually improves the color of the foliage.
The following are lists of sun tolerant varieties:
Sun-Tolerant Hostas: Generally, green and chartreuse varieties tolerate more sun than bluish hostas or ones with a lot of white variegation.
- August Moon
- Regal Splendor
- Francee
- Royal Standard
- Guacamole
- Sum and Substance
- Honeybells
- Sun Power
- Minuteman
Sun-Tolerant Heucheras: Generally green or darker-colored heucheras tolerate sun well, though others are being bred with more sun-tolerance.
- Autumn Bride
- Marmalade
- Blackout
- Palace Purple
- Bronze Wave
- Paris
- Caramel
- Plum Pudding
- Georgia Peach
- Silver Scrolls
- Green Spice
Sun-Tolerant Ferns: Generally, ferns are the least sun tolerant of these groups, requiring the greatest moisture and organic matter. Those that tolerate sun best include:
- Cinnamon Fern
- Ostrich Fern
- Hayscented Fern
- Mexican Male Fern
- Royal Fern