Abstract: Four Hosta cultivars (respectively Hosta ‘Golden Edger’, H.‘Antioch’, H.sieboldiana ‘Elegans’ and H.plantagenea ‘Aphrodite’)in three shading levels(respectively 50%, 30% and 5%full sun) were studied, results showed that growth characters of four Hosta cultivars at different light intensities were significantly affected.Accompanied with shading levels increasing, the plants'increments of biomass decreased, H.‘Golden Edger’ and H.plantagenea ‘Aphrodite’ were more sensitive than the others, the suitable light intensities for the former two were above 50%full sun, the latter two were 30%~50%full sun;The total leaf areas and heights of the plants were insignificantly influenced by light intensities;Specific leaf weight of four Hosta cultivars decreased.Over 50% shadings, all four Hosta cultivars had fewer buds and inflorescences. The proportion of different organs biomass distribution were also affected by shadings, over 50% shadings decreased root biomass proportion, but increased leaf proportion;With shadings increased, dry weights of all four Hosta culticars dropped quickerly than fresh weights.

Key words: Hosta cultivars, shading, growth character