If your garden landscape is a canvas, then hostas are the cool, tranquil stroke giving it a verdant, inviting look. These plants have an exceptional flair for shade and are a staple for many gardeners who cherish their lush foliage and ease of care. However, a touch of color, texture, and variety in shape can elevate the hosta’s serene presence. In this post, we’ll discuss 12 best companion plants for hostas, transforming your shady patch into a beautiful flower garden. For more in depth post on growing Hostas just click here.
Companion Plants for Hostas
Below is a list of 12 best companion plants for Hostas – Hope you enjoy!
Ferns
Ferns add a delicate texture that contrasts nicely with the broad leaves of hostas. They thrive in similar shady conditions and moist, well-draining soil. For an enchanting woodland vibe, pair hostas with Lady Ferns or Japanese Painted Ferns. For More in depth post on growing Ferns just click here.
Astilbe
Known for their feathery, plume-like flowers, astilbes introduce a splash of color to the shade garden. They prefer moist soil and can handle the same light conditions as hostas, making them perfect partners. For More in depth post on growing Astilbe just click here.
Heuchera (Coral Bells)
With their vibrant foliage in shades of purple, bronze, green, and silver, heucheras add a burst of color at ground level. They prefer partial to full shade and well-drained soil, complementing hostas both in cultivation needs and aesthetic appeal. For More in depth post on growing Coral Bells just click here.
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)
The heart-shaped flowers of Dicentra are a beautiful addition to the shade garden. They require moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, blooming in late spring when hostas begin to spread their leaves. For More in depth post on growing Bleeding Heart just click here.
Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum)
The arching stems and hanging, bell-shaped flowers of Solomon’s Seal add elegance. This plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil and shares the hosta’s love for shade. For More in depth post on growing Solomon’s Seal just click here.
Hellebores (Lenton Rose)
Early bloomers like hellebores bring life to the garden before other plants awaken. They flourish under the same shade conditions as hostas, offering a variety of colors from white to deep purple. For More in depth post on growing Hellebores just click here.
Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
With speckled foliage and early-spring flowers in hues of pink, blue, and white, lungworts are excellent ground covers for shady areas. They enjoy moist, well-drained soil and pair beautifully with hostas. For More in depth post on growing Lungwort just click here.
Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra)
This ornamental grass introduces a soft, flowing texture and striking golden or variegated leaves that light up the shade garden. It prefers moist soil and partial shade. For More in depth post on growing Japanese Forest Grass just click here.
Lamium (Dead Nettle)
Lamium’s silver-foliage and pink or purple flowers add contrast to the lush green of hostas. It’s tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and thrives in shade. For More in depth post on growing Lamium just click here.
Primrose (Primula)
Early spring blooms of primroses bring cheerful colors to the garden at the same time hostas start to emerge. They enjoy moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. For More in depth post on growing Primrose just click here.
Tiarella (Foamflower)
Tiarella’s star-shaped flowers and patterned foliage create a stunning underplanting for hostas. They thrive in moist, well-drained soil and shade, making them a perfect companion. For More in depth post on growing Tiarella just click here.
Hydrangea
For a bold statement, plant hydrangeas behind your hostas. They require more sunlight but can tolerate partial shade, especially later in the day. Plant in moist, well-drained soil for a magnificent backdrop of blooms throughout the summer. For More in depth post on growing Hydrangea just click here.
Happy Gardening!
A vibrant and harmonious garden in the shade is not only possible but also rewarding. By choosing the right companions, you can enhance the beauty of your hostas and create a botanical sanctuary that is as diverse as it is delightful. Each of the plants listed above brings its unique charm to the hosta setting, and with thoughtful placement and care, your garden will flourish with style and grace.
Please be sure to check out my Gardening Blog Post Page for more tips on all types of gardening. Including Seed Starting, Orchids, Water Gardening, Coldframe Gardening, Indoor Bulb Gardening, Hydroponics, Container Gardening, Mums, Herbs, African Violets, planting Bulbs, Flower Gardening, Vegetable and Fruit Gardening, Indoor Houseplants of all kinds, Cactus, Succulents, Hanging plants, Deer resistant plants and even Bird, Bee, Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens!