Hosta x hybrida 'Tears of the Sun'
perennial

Tears of the Sun Hostas

Hosta x hybrida 'Tears of the Sun'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'Tears of the Sun' is a deciduous perennial known for its broad, arching leaves with variegated yellow and green coloring, producing tall flower spikes with lavender flowers in summer.

This cultivar is distinguished by its vibrant yellow foliage that brightens shaded garden areas and its resilience to varying moisture conditions.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides lush foliage and attractive lavender flowers year-round in suitable climates.
Practical UsesDrought tolerant once established, low maintenance for shaded garden areas.
Ecological BenefitsSupports beneficial insects and adds organic matter when composted.
Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

12 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds or division into prepared soil in early spring.
  2. Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
  3. Apply mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  4. Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring.
  5. Divide every 3-4 years in early spring or fall.
  6. Protect from late frosts with mulch or cover.

Pro Tip

Plant in partial shade with rich, well-drained soil for best results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Apply mulch annually to conserve moisture
  • Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor

Don't

  • Avoid full sun which can scorch leaves ❌
  • Don’t let soil dry out completely
  • Over-fertilizing can cause floppy growth

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Divide
Fertilize
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderDecorative groundcover under treesFraming shady pathways

Companion Plants

Ferns AstilbeHeucheraJapanese painted fern Ligularia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tears of the Sun Hostas questions

What zones can Tears of the Sun Hostas grow in?

Tears of the Sun Hostas is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Tears of the Sun Hostas deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Tears of the Sun Hostas, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Tears of the Sun Hostas bloom?

Tears of the Sun Hostas typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Tears of the Sun Hostas need full sun?

Tears of the Sun Hostas does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Grow Tears of the Sun Hostas with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.