Planting Harmony: How to Grow Hostas and Hydrangeas Together

Hostas and hydrangeas are two of the most beloved plants among gardeners, known for their stunning foliage and vibrant blooms. Planting them together can create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape that thrives in partial shade. But how do you go about planting these two stunning plants together? Let's dive into a step-by-step guide on how to plant hostas and hydrangeas together.

Before we start, it's essential to understand that hostas and hydrangeas have different light and water requirements. Hostas prefer partial shade, while hydrangeas can tolerate more sun. Additionally, hydrangeas require more water than hostas. With careful planning, you can create a harmonious garden where both plants thrive.

Choosing the Right Varieties

When selecting hostas and hydrangeas for your garden, consider the size, color, and texture of their foliage and flowers. This will help you create a cohesive look in your garden. For example, pairing hydrangeas with large-leaved hostas can create a lush, tropical feel, while smaller hostas can complement hydrangeas with delicate flowers.

Some popular hydrangea varieties that pair well with hostas include 'Annabelle' (Hydrangea arborescens), 'Endless Summer' (Hydrangea macrophylla), and 'Nikko Blue' (Hydrangea macrophylla). For hostas, consider varieties like 'Guacamole' (Hosta 'Guacamole'), 'Patriot' (Hosta 'Patriot'), and 'August Moon' (Hosta 'August Moon').

Hosta Varieties

Hostas come in a wide range of sizes, colors, and textures. When choosing hostas, consider the size of the hydrangeas you want to pair them with. Smaller hostas can be used as accents around larger hydrangeas, while larger hostas can create a stunning backdrop for smaller hydrangeas.

Some popular hosta varieties include 'Guacamole', which has golden-green leaves with wide, creamy margins, and 'Patriot', which has heart-shaped, blue-green leaves with wide, gold margins. 'August Moon' is another popular variety with large, heart-shaped, blue-green leaves and wide, creamy margins.

Hydrangea Varieties

Hydrangeas come in two main types: bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) and smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens). Bigleaf hydrangeas have large, showy flowers that can change color based on soil pH, while smooth hydrangeas have smaller, round flower clusters that are white or greenish-white.

'Annabelle' is a popular smooth hydrangea with large, round flower clusters that can reach up to 12 inches in diameter. 'Endless Summer' is a bigleaf hydrangea that blooms on both old and new wood, providing flowers from summer to fall. 'Nikko Blue' is another bigleaf hydrangea with stunning blue flowers that can turn pink in alkaline soil.

Preparing the Planting Site

Before planting your hostas and hydrangeas, it's essential to prepare the planting site to ensure both plants have the best chance of thriving. Start by testing your soil pH. Hydrangeas prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0), while hostas prefer a slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.5-7.5). Most hostas and hydrangeas prefer well-draining soil, so consider amending your soil with compost or other organic matter if necessary.

Once you've tested and amended your soil, it's time to plan your garden layout. Consider the mature size of both your hostas and hydrangeas when planning where to plant them. Hostas typically grow 1-2 feet tall and wide, while hydrangeas can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide, depending on the variety.

Planting Hostas

Hostas are easy to plant and can be planted in spring or fall. Start by digging a hole that's twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your hosta. Gently remove the hosta from its container and loosen any circling roots. Place the hosta in the hole, ensuring the crown (the point where the roots meet the stem) is level with the ground. Fill in the hole with soil, gently pressing it down to remove air pockets. Water the hosta thoroughly after planting.

Hostas prefer partial shade, so consider planting them in an area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. They also prefer consistent moisture, so make sure to water them regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulching around your hostas can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Planting Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas can be planted in spring or fall, but it's best to avoid planting them in the heat of summer. Start by digging a hole that's twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your hydrangea. Gently remove the hydrangea from its container and loosen any circling roots. Place the hydrangea in the hole, ensuring the root flare (the point where the roots meet the trunk) is level with the ground. Fill in the hole with soil, gently pressing it down to remove air pockets. Water the hydrangea thoroughly after planting.

Hydrangeas prefer partial to full sun, depending on the variety. 'Annabelle' and 'Endless Summer' prefer partial shade, while 'Nikko Blue' prefers full sun. Hydrangeas also require more water than hostas, so make sure to water them regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulching around your hydrangeas can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Caring for Your Hostas and Hydrangeas

Once your hostas and hydrangeas are planted, it's essential to care for them properly to ensure they thrive. Both plants are relatively low-maintenance, but they do require some care to keep them looking their best.

Hostas and hydrangeas both benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, following the package instructions. Hostas also benefit from dividing every 3-5 years to prevent overcrowding. This can be done in early spring or fall by digging up the hosta, dividing the roots into smaller sections, and replanting them.

Pruning Hydrangeas

Pruning hydrangeas is essential to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. The best time to prune hydrangeas depends on the variety. Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) can be pruned in late winter or early spring, while smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) can be pruned in late summer or early fall.

When pruning hydrangeas, remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. You can also cut back the entire plant by one-third to one-half to encourage new growth. Be careful not to prune the flower buds, as this can reduce the number of blooms the following year.

Dividing Hostas

Dividing hostas is an essential part of their care, as it helps prevent overcrowding and encourages new growth. The best time to divide hostas is in early spring or fall, when the soil is cool and moist. Start by digging up the hosta, using a sharp shovel to cut through the roots. Divide the roots into smaller sections, ensuring each section has some leaves and roots.

Replant the divided hostas in a hole that's twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Fill in the hole with soil, gently pressing it down to remove air pockets. Water the hosta thoroughly after planting. Dividing hostas every 3-5 years can help keep them looking their best and prevent them from becoming too large for their space.

Planting hostas and hydrangeas together can create a stunning, low-maintenance garden that thrives in partial shade. By choosing the right varieties, preparing the planting site, and providing proper care, you can enjoy beautiful hostas and hydrangeas for years to come. So go ahead, get planting, and enjoy the beauty of these two stunning plants in your garden!