Some hostas can take quite a bit of sun. My tree has had the top broken out of it about 7 years ago and then it is limbed up about 7-8 ft high underneath. So I can't really limb it up or there wouldn't be anything left. I really don't think the area gets much direct sun at all, just a little in the afternoon when the sun is going down and gets on that side. Will rhododendron live without any direct sun on it? I guess the hostas will? The hostas were all planted this spring and they are all blooming now. Although I haven't noticed much actually growth on them. I know that hostas seem to grow slow sometimes though.