blueness is a wax.. that can melt away in too much sun

ken

I have experimented this spring with growing yellows (Dawn's Early Light and Fire Island) in full sun. Both are showing signs of sunburn on the earliest leaves by now. I'll post some pictures later on.

The blues in full sun are a different matter, they're going strong. Blues in full sun for me include Blue Mouse Ears, Blue Sliver, Monashee Blue Cup, Halcyon, Fragrant Blue, Dorset Blue, Ice Age Trail and what was given to me as Blue Moon but I now think it in fact is Blue Jay.

It depends on the qualities of each yellow. Some do fine in sun and some like more shade. Read up on the kind you are interested in getting before you plant. That way you won't have to move them if they aren't happy where where you put them.

I am overly cautious and probably use more shade than the plants I have need. I'm getting braver in my old age!!!!

Connie

I have found that June, On Stage and Great Expections due very well in full sun for me. Blues hold color in shade much better. I had to move Fire Island that I planted in sun from 10:00am to 6:00pm early this spring. It started to melt out. DEL could be moved too, but it's such a show stopper I hate to fuss with it.

Deb

The plants that start out green and change to yellow as the season progresses tend to do fine in the sun.

The plants that start out yellow (I call them the spring yellows) rarely tolerate any sun and can also be sensitive to drought and frost.

Blues often hold up well in the sun but as Ken mentioned, the waxy coating will melt away faster so your blue hosta will be a green hosta.

Finally, in zone 4/5 the sun won't be as intense than in warmer zones so you might get away with growing a lot more plants in the sun than someone in zone 8.

Hope that helps.

Chris