The yellow in a hosta is a genetic absence of chlorophyll, which makes the leaves appear different shades of yellow. As yellow hostas contain fewer food-producing chloroplasts, annual fertilizing is important. (Note: Around 2003, the American Hosta Society changed its show terminology from “gold-leafed” to “yellow-leafed.” Chartreuse hostas are considered to be in the green category.)
Yellow Hostas Need More Sun
As a general rule, a yellow hosta needs to be planted in a sunnier location to keep its color vibrant. The yellow color may fade to green without at least two hours of full sun daily. Some glossy, chartreuse hostas change to yellow when exposed to more light, like H. ‘Sum and Substance.’ Yellow or yellow-centered hostas are often sun-resistant.
The temperature of a full-sun area can vary by the time of day and by your location (southern versus northern United States, high altitude versus low altitude). Even though yellow hostas need some sun exposure, any hosta in full sun will need to be watered frequently. Overhead watering during the middle of the day can cause water droplets to magnify the sun’s rays and burn the leaves. Hostas grown in full sun will often turn to a lighter color and the leaves can elongate. Yellow hostas are most vulnerable to sun damage early in the season when the leaves are expanding. This is when trees have not gotten all of their leaves back yet.
Using Yellow Hostas in the Garden
Yellow hostas add color, brightness and contrast to the garden. Their luminescent leaves glow at dusk, dawn or on rainy or overcast days. Planting next to green or blue foliage makes all of the different colors stand out. However, over-planting yellow hostas in a blue or green border can produce a spotty effect
Some Yellow Hostas
August Moon, Bitsy Gold, Cheatin’ Heart, Cherry Tart, Dawn’s Early Light, Daybreak, Dragon Tails, Faith, Fan Dance, Fat Cat, Fire Island, Golden Friendship, Golden Scepter, Golden Sculpture, Harriette Ward, Inniswood, Jaz, Jimmy Crack Corn, Key West, King Tut, Lemon Frost, Little Aurora, Maui Buttercups, May, Midas Touch, On Stage, Orange Marmalade, Paradigm, Paul’s Glory, Pee Dee Gold Flash, Piedmont Gold, Rosedale Golden Goose, Solar Flare, Stained Glass, Stardust, Stitch in Time, Sum and Substance, Summer Lovin, Sun Power, Teeny-weeny Bikini, Templar Gold, Thai Brass, Tortilla Chip, World Cup, Yesterday’s Memories, Zounds.
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