Will Hostas Thrive In Area With 3 Hours Of Direct Early Afternoon Sun

Question From: s. linford - MICHIGAN
Q: Hi Nancy; I have an area within a long mixed border that's been giving me fits for years. The problem with this particular area (about 10' long and 5-7' wide) gets sun only between 1:00 and 4:00, so it's too shady for sun lovers and too sunny for (most) shade lovers. There is a very nice small hedge of hakonechloa aureola grass directly in front of the area to be planted that is doing very well. The soil is very good since we've been using partially decomposed leaf mulch heavily in this bed for years. We also have drip irrigation ready for whatever we plant there. I'd love to plant some giant hostas there because I think the large leaf will look great but since I know it will be 3 to 5 years before they mature, I'm afraid to do this without some expert help. What do you think of a grouping of Sagae, or maybe Victoria behind those pretty grasses? Would Sum and Substance be more sun-tolerant? I'll try to add pics, but no promises since I'm not very computer-literate. Thanks in advance Sharon

A: Any of your suggested cultivars should do well. Sounds like a perfect site for hostas. If you're looking for a giant Hosta try Empress Wu.