Try to figure out if the shade will be there in summer. There are formulas for plugging in location, etc., and coming up with the answer, but I am not sure just where to look. Try Googling? If it will, then a lot of hostas will do. If not, I think there are a few hostas that will grow in sun, but since I don't grow them, I am not sure of names. Try Googling for full-sun hostas, or someone with experience may let you know.

Also, I just thought - there is a hosta forum, so ask over there. I am SURE they will know the answer.

I do know that hostas in sun need more water than those in shade, from a friend's comments.

You could also plant a few things around them that will grow above them and provide a little shade. Pick things that can handle both full sun and part shade but grow tall. There's lots of choices, but maybe something with fine foliage or something for contrast. I know some varieties can handle sun better than others but can't remember which. Some hostas I have seen planted in almost full sun so I'm sure it can be done. I would think that the midday sun might be a problem for them so I really think if you want hostas you should just plant something tall to protect them from that hot sun. It is better for them to get morning sun than late day. Also, to reiterate what Dibbit pointed out, they will probably need more water. I think asking at the hosta forum is an excellent suggestion. But be prepared, those people are fanatics !!!(and you thought WE were bad) :-) -Ais.

I had a kind of varigated hosta that did okay in even the hot afternoon sun. I did have some burned leaves but it was minimal if I kept up with watering and overall they still looked good. I loved the flowers in the sun though, it seemed to grow more flowers then the ones in shade did.

i think i've heard the yellow/yellow variegated ones like more sun. with my ventricosas whcih i have in several spots, they definitely get much bigger-2-3x, and bloom better with a bit more sun and an ample supply of water (next to the pond stream).

There are a number of hostas that will take sun. And most will thrive with morning sun, afternoon shade. You want to look for the varieties with thicker substance...the thinner ones will certainly burn up in our heat.

There are a couple of hybridizers in this area, Bob Solberg and Tony Avent namely, who have done wonders with certain lines that will take more heat and sun.

As mentioned above...hostas DO require lots and lots of water.

Most hostas will do fine with morning sun. It's the midday and afternoon sun that does them in. There are many variables that can affect how much sun they can take, including the particular variety of hosta it is, how good the soil is, availability of moisture, adequate mulching. Generally speaking, hostas can take more sun if they are planted in rich loamy soil with plenty of moisture and mulch.

Some hosta varieties that can take more sun (in my experience) include Grandmaster, Guacamole, Shade Fanfare (despite the name), Invincible, Golden Tiara. Most blue hostas do not like much sun.

Thanks for all of the tips. The bed is sort of raised, so I will have nice soil. In addition, I plan to put in drip irrigation. I remembered that I have a Sum And Substance in a pot that may work. I am so excited to have hostas again!

Yes, the Sum/Sub will take sun. Mine grows in almost full shade and the colour isn't as bright as it could be with more light...but S&S will get HUGE...not necessarily one for a pot.

Dawgie is right...put lots of organic matter into the soil. And some of the thick substance blues will grow in sun, but they won't have the good blue hue they're known for. And they won't keep the powdery effect they're loved for.

I've been 'messing' with hostas for almost ten years, my biggest problem is the deer. But I keep plugging away at it. I probably have close to 200 varieties by now. Some will work and some won't. Just have to take a chance if it's a variety you really like. They're my favourite plants by far.

Do check out the hosta forum here...it's great!

Good luck, am sure you'll do fine with them.

I have deer too. Fortunately this spot is inside 2 fences and right next to the house. I have some shade in other parts of the property, but the areas are not fenced and I'm sure it would just be a deer buffet.
I do love the blues, esp the highly puckered ones. May have to try just one to see if it works.