Vanessa, I get a lot of information from Hostas Direct. they are a nursery but have a database with 7000 cultivars. I like that you can choose hostas by characteristics and I like slug proof and sun tolerant.
http://www.hostasdirect.com/ho...
In zone8 you have to be concerned with more than moisture. Hostas need a cold spell and some need more than others. So in the south you need Hostas with a low chill requirement. These are usually the first ones to appear in spring, like Sea Thunder. I have three and I just love them. Here is a website that will give you a list of more hostas that only need a short cold spell.
http://www.plantdelights.com/H...
I use Milorganite to keep rabbits and cats out of the beds and I use ammonia water to kill slugs. I use to use the slug bait but find that I really do not need it now because I do other things to discourage them, like watering in the morning so the surface dirt is dry by night time when they come out. I buy a lot of slug resistant hostas and if they are not slug resistant I put pine straw around them because the slugs cannot slide through it, and occasionally spray around the crowns with the ammonia water to kill any eggs.
I do not have any lizards or wild animals, sorry.
Mine are in dappled shade outside the fence where it is cool and always a breeze. If you have any hostas that need a greater cold spell that they can get in the ground you man maximize the cold air that gets to the roots by planting them in a pot.
I have had success with many hostas that are not on the list. Like:
Captain Kirk
Orange Marmalade
Francee
Paradigm
June
Tom Schmid
Dick Ward
Sagae
Journeys End
Paul's Glory
Brother Stefan
Stained Glass
Guacamole
Cathedral Windows
If you are going to pay $45.00 for a hosta make sure that it will be happy in your climate. Good luck with your Hosta Garden!!
