Re: "sun tolerant hosta" (also shade tolerant Sibs)
- Subject: [sibrob] Re: "sun tolerant hosta" (also shade tolerant Sibs)
- From: a*@toad.net
- Date: Thu, 29 Aug 2002 07:31:56 -0400
Ellen, etal.
A few years back, the argument was presented that hosta are not shade
plants, but shade TOLERANT plants. The same case has been made for
hellebores. In some locations, that may be true, but there are many
factors besides hours of sun, when siting plants for optimal
performance. The intensity of light is just as important. As the garden
community becomes more global, the latitude and altitude of your garden
are probably more important than hour of direct sunlight in determining
shade tolerance. I live at sea level, just north of the 39th parallel. I
grow many hostas in "partial" shade that my brother on the 34th parallel
grows in full shade. I have seen the same cultivars growing above the
44th parallel in conditions that I would describe as "full sun".
Likewise, morning sun is less intense than afternoon sun. 3 hours of
afternoon sun can cook a plant that grows happily with 5 hours of
morning sun.
H. plantaginea is frequently seen growing in sunny locations here. By
late summer, it looks sunburned.
I have grown 'Sum and Substance' for many years and in many locations.
Increase is better with morning sun, but for the plant to look good in
August, here it needs full shade throughout the gardening season. Tender
leaves emerging in the spring are extremely sensitive to intense light
and heat. If we have a few REALLY hot, sunny days at that time, those
tender leaves cook, even with a few hours of morning sun.
'Honeybells', H. tardiflora and H. lancifolia all appear to tolerate
more sun in my garden.
Along this same line, (and more on topic) many of my Siberians are
growing in partial shade. One surprise is 'Shebang' which has been quite
happy with only 4 hours of morning sun. It is growing along side hosta
'Inniswood' and both are quite happy. I also have 'Caesar's Brother'
growing in partial shade alongside hosta 'Krossa Regal'.
R. Dennis Hager
on Delmarva
where it is raining!
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