Understanding the Colour Changes in Hostas: What Causes the Shift in Shades?
- John Plant
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
One of the most fascinating things about Hosta foliage colouring is that it often changes throughout the growing season.
Some Hostas change colour from the time they first emerge, to the end of the season for various reasons.
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The primary reason for the colour change in Hostas is weather conditions. During the growing season, certain varieties of Hostas may exhibit a shift towards a greener or lighter hue. This phenomenon is entirely normal and can be attributed to variations in temperature or other climatic factors. Additionally, it is common for new growth in many Hosta plants to display different colouration compared to their mature foliage.
Variations can frequently occur due to the levels of sunlight or shade received during the season. Additionally, their colours may alter towards the conclusion of the season.
So! Let’s look at changes in colour in a little more detail.
Hosta Amalia Spring & Summer
Differences Between New Growth and Mature Colouring
When Hostas first emerge, particularly young specimens, they may not look very much like the mature version you have elsewhere.
As an example, Hosta Amalia will emerge with yellow lime leaves that are surrounded by a dark green piecrust margin. However, as the season progresses, the centre of the leaf becomes more white, and the dark green margins tend to be a lighter colour.
Hosta Beckoning Spring & Summer
Another example is Hosta Beckoning where when it first appears in the Spring the leaves are a solid green blue, as summer progresses the centre turns more yellow, and the margins remain blue.
Hosta Chain Lighting Spring & Summer
Some Hostas have different features such as Hosta Chain Lightning that emerges relatively smooth but as it gets older develops a certain amount of cupping and corrugation not seen in the younger growth.
Seasonal Changes
Hostas, like all living organisms on earth, are constantly changing and adapting to their environment. The weather and climate directly affect not only the growth of Hostas but also their colour. Let’s look at the different cases of colour change.
Hosta Remember Me Spring & Summer
Very often a Hosta that starts out yellow can turn white in the middle of summer. Hosta Remember Me, for example, has a combination of bluish-green and yellow in the spring. But around July it can turn white-green. Hot weather often contributes to this.
Hosta Gold Standard, on the other hand, is usually light green with no hint of yellow at the beginning of the season. It turns really golden in the second half of the season.
Hosta Gold Standard Spring & Summer
Another common occurrence is the greening of the Hosta. For example, Hosta White Feather exhibits a white colouration until early summer, after which it transitions to green, resembling a green mist covering the leaves. This unique combination of white and green is noteworthy. The younger leaves contain little to no chlorophyll, often resulting in a compromised ability to photosynthesize.
Consequently, a change in the colour of a Hosta is entirely normal and can be attributed to numerous factors, including weather conditions. Each year, Hostas may undergo different colour changes. There is no need for intervention as Mother Nature has inherently designed these variations.
It is important to note that not all Hostas exhibit colour changes throughout the year. Some varieties maintain more stable colouration. Based on your preferences, you may choose those that undergo colour changes or those that remain consistent in appearance throughout the season.
Exposure to Sunlight
Sunlight is another key factor influencing the colour of Hostas. Blue Hostas are particularly sensitive to sunlight, with direct sun exposure causing them to turn green.
Typically, blue Hostas thrive in full shade, though they can tolerate brief periods of direct sunlight. However, if exposed to more than two hours of sun daily, blue Hostas will tend to change to a green colour.
Blue Hostas do not possess an inherent blue pigmentation; they appear blue due to a light grey waxy coating on their leaves. This coating functions to reflect excess light. However, in conditions where a blue Hosta is exposed to direct sunlight, the coating will dissipate, resulting in the Hosta’s leaves reverting to their natural green colour.
Yellow varieties may become pale when exposed to ample sunlight, particularly in the afternoon.
To prevent colour loss, it is recommended to plant blue Hostas in full shade. Other Hosta varieties should receive no more than 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Even variegated Hostas such as Hosta June will change due to the level of shade & sun. It will tolerate both shade and a reasonable amount of sunshine, but the foliage will look very different in each situation. The larger central area of the leaf will be much more yellow in some sunshine but a very muted pale green in more shade.
Hosta Albopicta Spring & Summer
The slender, heart-shaped, creamy-yellow leaves of Hosta Albopicta, with dark green margins emerge in spring, but as the leaves develop, they lose their variegations and become a little more green, particularly if grown in the shade.
Mutations
Mutations are an important concept in biology. All living organisms undergo mutations, and new life forms may arise that are better adapted to their environments. However, not all mutations result in improved traits compared to their predecessors.
One example is the variegated Hosta, a mutation of the common green Hosta. The white or yellow tissue, devoid of chlorophyll, contrasts with the green background. Despite its appearance, less green tissue means a weaker plant.
Occasionally, variegated Hostas produce entirely green leaves through a process called reversion, reverting to their original form. Over time, more green leaves can appear, reducing the variegation. These are usually stronger than the variegated ones, and will eventually take over.
If reversion occurs, it is necessary to continually remove the green leaves to maintain variegation. Alternatively, dividing the Hosta by removing green leaves along with part of the rhizome is possible.
The opposite can also occur. Part of the variegated Hosta may become more variegated or even completely yellow (white). This phenomenon is called sport, which is what led to the development of the White Feather Hosta. This also occurs with green Hostas.
If this happens with your Hosta, it is considered a unique new variety. To propagate this part, divide it from the rest of the Hosta, plant it separately, and allow it to grow for some time. Afterward, you can present it to the community of Hosta enthusiasts for further discussion.
Colour changes in the Autumn.
This occurs when your Hosta changes colour in the autumn or late summer, it is a normal part of its growth cycle. This indicates that the plant is preparing to shed its leaves and enter a dormant state.
Colour change in Hostas can occur in several ways. The most common pattern involves the leaves first turning yellow and then drooping. In some cases, the leaves may become pale or discoloured before this yellowing occurs. Additionally, some Hostas may turn brown immediately as the growing season concludes.
To maintain the plant's health and appearance, you should remove the yellow leaves by cutting them approximately 1 to 2 inches above the ground and disposing of them properly.
Changes in colour of your Hosta leaves are generally absolutely normal and not an issue.
When you buy new Hostas and the foliage differs from what you expected, this is normal.
Do not worry. It will grow away as normal and may even take a second season to look like the pictures on the internet.
One more mention.. the internet is a valuable source for all the information you may wish to know, but there are artificial intelligence photos that should be ignored. Do not believe everything you read or see…. Speak to an expert.
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John Plant
Rewela Hostas
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