Hostas remain such a popular perennial to grow for their ease in care, their durability, and the way they flourish amongst any garden or yard. There are also a wealth of plants similar to hostas that like sun and grow into similarly elegant, bushy plants.
Some hostas are able to tolerate sun throughout each season, but full sun can change its coloring. Adding different kinds of plants similar to hostas can add some contrast to your garden, creating a beautiful array of greenery with spots of color and flowers.
Even though there are a multitude of types of hostas you can consider, alternatives to hostas are just as nice for something different. From ferns to daylilies, there are plenty of options for those looking for plants similar to hostas that will thrive in the sun.
If your garden happens to get a plethora of sunshine, the good news is there are a wealth of plants you can add to your garden that will thrive off of those bright rays. These plants are similar to hostas both in appearance and their ease of care, adding brilliance and beauty to your garden when hostas just won’t work.
Plants Similar To Hostas That Like Sun
Not all hosta varieties are tolerant of a lot of sun, causing leaves to become burnt and dried out. No amount of water is going to salvage those burnt leaves. Having a large, bushy plant in your garden can offer shade to other plants, but not if they can’t continue to grow and remain healthy in a lot of sun.
Some of the plants that are similar to hostas that like sun are able to handle the daylight sun, but won’t suffer should there be a few days of shade and rain here and there. They are easy to maintain and, as long as they are watered regularly, will continue to bloom well from spring to fall.
As with any garden, some planning will go a long way to ensure each plant you choose gets what it needs to grow healthy. Below are just 10 plants similar to hostas that like sun, though there are many more options depending on what you’re hoping your finished garden or yard looks like.
Other look a like plants:
- Plants That Look Like Corn Stalks
- Flowers That Look Like Fairies to Brighten Your Garden
- Plants That Look Like a Penis
1. Elephant Ears
Elephant ears are a boisterous green plant that enjoys being in the sun. This plant grows large green leaves similar to many hostas, and they also mimic their overall shape. It is a more tropical-inclined plant, but you don’t have to live in a tropical area in order to enjoy elephant ears; they just might not grow as large.
2. Coral Bells
Coral bells are a stunning bush that can blossom into colorful leaves with a unique shape. While they appreciate some shade from time to time, this versatile plant enjoys having a lot of sun as well. As long as you give coral bells a lot of water, they will have everything they need to grow into lush bushes.
Like hostas, you can find different kinds of coral bells. There are some that look more like bushes, as well as some that grow some gorgeous flowers in a range of colors.
3. Pistachio Hydrangeas
The pistachio hydrangea doesn’t want to be exposed to sun all day, every day, but they can still grow well in a lot of sun if they’re watered well. This luscious plant is one that grows pretty quickly, with unique and stunning pink and green leaves with small flowers in the middle.
This variety of hydrangea is also quite simple to care for and rewards you with a tall, wide bushy plant. The advantage of having pistachio hydrangeas in your garden is that, if you care for them well, they will bloom again and again.
4. Sedum
Sedums are a hearty and versatile plant that adds a plethora of greenery, florals, and other colors to a garden.
They tend to stay pretty lively from spring to fall, and are adaptable to a lot of weather conditions, including the sun. This beautiful plant is also a perennial, so you can get multiple years out of them if you care for them well.
Sedums are great for those who want a low-maintenance garden as well, since they don’t require a ton of special care. There are a few varieties of these plants, just like hostas, so you have a nice selection based on what you want your garden to look like.
5. Wild Ginger
Wild ginger is similar to hostas in that they have large, shiny green leaves, though they tend to creep along the ground more than hostas, which grow in clumps.
Wild ginger doesn’t grow very tall either, but manages to add a splash of beautiful, organic green to any garden or yard. The heart shaped leaves that make up wild ginger are a nice touch, with some varieties spawning flowers.
6. Skunk Cabbage
Skunk cabbage is an illustrious plant that can take up a lot of space and produces glistening green plants, much like a few varieties of hostas.
The skunk cabbage also does well in the sun, though it does like a lot of moisture. This plant also produces small yellow flowers, adding a splash of bright color to contrast all the green.
7. Caladium
Caladium is a gorgeous plant with colorful leaves that enjoys being in the sun. In fact, this plant is known to be able to handle heat, so if you live in an area that gets hot, caladium will be much more suitable than a hosta. As with many heat-tolerant plants, be sure you give caladium plenty of water.
The leaves of caladium are also unique in their color range, as they tend to be a stunning combination of pink and green. This also lends to their similarity to hostas, as many hostas have a brilliant range of seemingly color-changing leaves.
8. Dwarf Canna Lilies
Dwarf canna lilies can add some unique bursts of color to your garden. They look quite similar to hostas when they grow, except they tend to grow taller.
Dwarf canna lilies can also grow quite healthy and strong in full sun. These plants can grow leaves in a variety of colors, with some leaves being multicolored, and they grow beautiful flowers as well.
9. Salvia
The salvia plant is one that mimics hostas in their appearance, with many salvia plants also growing small, pretty flowers.
Salvia plants enjoy the sun and, while they like their water, they aren’t going to wither away if you forget to water them sometimes. A salvia plant is also an excellent addition to a garden because they bring pollinators around.
10. Helianthus
If you’d like a plant that is similar to a hosta but has flowers too, you’ll enjoy the helianthus. The helianthus are bountiful bushes with a host of small green leaves and tons of beautiful yellow sunflowers.
These plants can grow pretty widespread throughout your garden, which is fantastic because they attract pollinators that can nourish your garden.
Summary
Hostas have rightfully earned their reputation for being fantastic plants to have in and around the home, though there are plants similar to hostas that like sun that might be more suitable for your specific needs.
Whether you blend some of these plants in with your hostas or forget the hostas altogether in lieu of an alternative, your garden will only benefit from one of these lush plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Hostas That Like The Sun?
A few varieties of hostas are tolerant of the sun. Aim to plant hostas that grow thicker leaves, or yellow varieties such as Sun Power, Stained Glass, and Guacamole.
These types of hostas are less likely to get sunburnt if you tend to get a lot of sun in and around your garden. To ensure your sun-loving hostas don’t get burnt, be sure you give them plenty of water.
What Plant Is Similar To A Hosta?
Outside of the plants listed above, some plants that are similar to hostas, either in appearance or plant care needs, include the harbor dwarf, hairy alum root, and lamb’s ear. Other examples that are somewhat similar include mayapple, giant trillium, and goat’s beard.
What Is The Best Perennial For Full Sun?
There are a multitude of perennials that can grow in sunny spots well. Some examples include black-eyed susan, dahlias, purple coneflower, Russian sage, peonies, artemisia, and chrysanthemums.
This makes it easy to fill your garden or yard with plants that will thrive in different areas depending on where sun and shade hits around your property.
Hey, I’m Lisa and I’ve been an avid gardener for over 30 years. I love writing, talking and living in the garden! Feel free to connect with me on my socials below
