Hostas are a beloved addition to any garden, cherished for their lush foliage and ability to thrive in various conditions. These shade-loving perennials have become a staple in many landscapes, but to truly make your hostas stand out, it’s essential to choose the right companion plants. In this comprehensive guide, Gina Farm will explore What to plant with Hostas? 12 best companions, enhancing their beauty and creating a harmonious garden setting.
What To Plant With Hostas? 12 Best Companion
Hostas are versatile and easy-to-grow perennial plants that are often used in landscaping to create beautiful, low-maintenance gardens. When planting hostas, you can consider companion plants that complement their foliage and create visually appealing combinations. Here are some plants that pair well with hostas:
1. Astilbe (Astilbe spp.)
Astilbes are a perfect complement to hostas, primarily because they share the same preferences for shade and moist soil. These feathery, plume-like flowers add a delightful contrast to the hostas’ bold leaves, creating a visually appealing and balanced landscape. Varieties like ‘Fanal’ and ‘Visions in Pink’ are excellent choices to plant alongside your hostas for a vibrant and textured display.
2. Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)
Bleeding hearts, with their unique heart-shaped blossoms, offer a touch of whimsy to your garden. They thrive in the same shaded conditions as hostas and provide an attractive contrast in terms of both color and shape. The romantic, drooping flowers of bleeding hearts beautifully complement the bold foliage of hostas.
3. Ferns (Various Fern Species)
Ferns are a classic choice for companion plants with hostas. Their delicate fronds create an elegant backdrop for the hosta’s broad leaves. Both plants enjoy the same soil conditions, making them a natural pairing. Look for fern species such as the Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum) or Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) for a stunning combination.
4. Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)
Coral bells are renowned for their vibrant, colorful leaves and dainty bell-shaped flowers. They come in a wide range of hues, making it easy to find a variety that complements your hostas. The contrast between the two plants, with hostas providing a green backdrop, is simply stunning. Coral bells are versatile and can adapt to both shade and partial sun, making them an ideal companion for hostas in varying light conditions.
5. Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)
Foamflowers are native woodland plants that thrive in the same conditions as hostas. Their airy, frothy flowers, resembling foam, lend a sense of lightness to the garden. Planting them alongside hostas creates a visually pleasing contrast in both texture and form. The low-growing habit of foamflowers is perfect for the front of your hosta beds.
6. Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra)
For an elegant, cascading effect in your garden, pair hostas with Japanese Forest Grass. The graceful arching blades of this grass provide a unique texture and bring movement to your landscape. They thrive in partial to full shade, making them an excellent companion for hostas in areas with filtered sunlight.
7. Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.)
Lungworts are known for their distinctive silver-spotted leaves and charming, tubular flowers. They’re perfect for planting near hostas, as they share the same preference for shade and well-drained soil. Lungworts create a dynamic combination with hostas, offering both color and texture variations in your garden.
8. Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla)
Brunnera, often called “Siberian Bugloss,” is a stunning companion for hostas. The large, heart-shaped leaves of Brunnera provide a dramatic backdrop to the hostas’ foliage. Brunnera’s small, blue flowers add a pop of color to the shaded areas of your garden, creating a captivating contrast.
9. Foxgloves (Digitalis spp.)
Foxgloves, with their tall spires of tubular flowers, make a striking statement in the garden. While they thrive in partial shade, they add height and vertical interest when planted among hostas. Their architectural form creates an attractive contrast with the hostas’ more rounded foliage.
10. Toad Lilies (Tricyrtis spp.)
Toad lilies are a unique addition to the shade garden, known for their intricate, orchid-like flowers. These perennials thrive in the same conditions as hostas and add a touch of exotic elegance to your landscape. Toad lilies are especially valuable for late-season blooms, extending the visual interest in your garden.
11. Japanese Anemone (Anemone x hybrida)
Japanese anemones are a late-summer bloomer that pairs well with hostas. Their graceful, semi-double flowers add a delicate touch to your garden. These plants prefer partial shade and will complement the hostas beautifully, providing a fresh burst of color at a time when other blooms may be fading.
12. Hellebores (Helleborus spp.)
Hellebores, also known as Lenten roses, are early bloomers that often flower in late winter or early spring. Planting them alongside hostas ensures year-round interest in your garden. Hellebores’ nodding, cup-shaped blossoms come in a variety of colors, and their low-growing habit allows them to blend harmoniously with hostas.
When planning your garden, consider the color, texture, and height of your companion plants to create a harmonious and visually appealing landscape. Also, take into account the light and moisture requirements of both the hostas and their companions to ensure they all thrive together.
Plants to avoid growing with Hostas plants
While hostas are versatile and can be grown alongside various companion plants, there are certain types of plants that may not be ideal to grow with them. This could be due to competition for resources, differences in growth habits, or the potential for pest and disease issues. Here are some plants to avoid growing with hostas:
- Aggressive Spreaders: Avoid planting aggressive, invasive, or spreading plants near hostas, as they may compete for space, nutrients, and water. Examples include mint, running bamboo, and certain ground covers like goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria).
- Tall and Overpowering Plants: Plants that grow very tall and dense can overshadow hostas, blocking their access to sunlight. Examples include large shrubs or tall ornamental grasses.
- Plants with Different Watering Needs: Avoid planting drought-tolerant plants alongside hostas, as they may have conflicting watering requirements. Plants like succulents or cacti have very different moisture needs than hostas.
- Full Sun Plants: Hostas are typically shade-loving plants. Avoid planting sun-loving plants like roses or sunflowers in the same area, as they won’t thrive in the same conditions.
- Plants Susceptible to the Same Pests and Diseases: Some plants are more susceptible to certain pests and diseases that could affect hostas as well. For example, plants in the aster family (Asteraceae) can attract slugs and snails, which are common pests for hostas.
- Plants with Allelopathic Properties: Certain plants release chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants. Black walnut trees, for example, produce juglone, which can be harmful to many other plants, including hostas.
- Plants with Similar Foliage: If you want your hostas to stand out and be the focal point in your garden, it’s best to avoid planting other plants with very similar foliage. This can create a cluttered and less visually appealing garden.
- Plants with Very Different Growth Habits: Plants with sprawling, invasive, or aggressive growth habits can crowd out hostas and negatively affect their growth. Be cautious with plants that send out runners or vigorously spread by seed.
It’s essential to consider the specific needs and habits of both hostas and any potential companion plants when planning your garden. By selecting compatible plants and providing the right growing conditions, you can create a more successful and harmonious garden landscape.
In Conclusion
Choosing the right companion plants for your hostas can elevate your garden’s aesthetics and create a stunning landscape. By selecting from the list of 12 best companion plants we’ve discussed, you can achieve a harmonious and visually appealing garden that showcases the beauty of your hostas while adding depth, contrast, and color.
Remember to consider your local climate and specific garden conditions when choosing companion plants for your hostas. With the right combination, your garden will flourish and become a source of joy and admiration. So, start planning your hosta garden today and enjoy the breathtaking results that come with the perfect companion plants. Hopefully the article “What To Plant With Hostas? 12 Best Companion” above by Gina Farm has helped you know and choose suitable plants to plant with Hostas.