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