Best Hostas Companion Plants: What Grows Well Together

Hostas, those shade-loving perennials with their lush, green foliage, are a gardener's delight. But the question often arises, "What do hostas grow well with?" The answer is quite extensive, as hostas' versatility allows them to coexist with a wide range of plants, creating a harmonious and visually appealing garden landscape.

Hostas' growth habits, which include their ability to thrive in partial shade and their tolerance for various soil types, make them excellent companions for numerous plants. They can act as a beautiful backdrop, a striking contrast, or a unifying element in your garden design. Let's explore some plants that grow exceptionally well with hostas.

Shade-Loving Plants

Hostas' preference for partial to full shade makes them an ideal companion for other shade-loving plants. This shared sunlight requirement ensures that these plants can grow together without competition for light.

One such plant is the fern. With its delicate, lacy fronds, ferns provide a striking contrast to the broad leaves of hostas. They also share a similar growing environment preference, thriving in the same conditions as hostas. Some fern species that grow well with hostas include the Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum') and the Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea).

Astilbes

Astilbes, also known as false spirea, are another shade-loving plant that pairs beautifully with hostas. Their feathery plumes of flowers contrast nicely with the bold foliage of hostas. Astilbes prefer the same moist, well-drained soil and partial shade conditions that hostas thrive in. The 'Fanal' and 'Montgomery' varieties are particularly striking when planted alongside hostas.

To create a cohesive look, consider planting astilbes in front of or between larger hosta leaves. This arrangement allows the astilbe's delicate flowers to complement the hosta's robust foliage, creating a balanced and visually appealing combination.

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are another excellent companion for hostas. Their mophead or lacecap flowers provide a stunning contrast to the hosta's foliage, while their similar growing requirements ensure they can coexist harmoniously. The Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) and the Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) are both suitable companions for hostas.

For a striking contrast, consider planting hydrangeas behind shorter hosta varieties. This arrangement allows the hydrangea's flowers to stand out against the hosta's leaves, creating a beautiful, layered effect in your garden.

Contrasting Plants

Hostas' wide range of colors and patterns make them an excellent choice for adding contrast to your garden. By pairing hostas with plants that have different foliage colors or textures, you can create a dynamic and engaging garden landscape.

One way to achieve this is by planting hostas alongside plants with golden or chartreuse foliage. The bright, sunny colors of these plants provide a striking contrast to the green hues of hostas. Some examples include the Golden Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea') and the Golden Marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria 'Sulphurea').

Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses are another excellent choice for adding contrast to your hosta garden. Their upright growth habit and airy flowers provide a striking contrast to the low-growing, mounding form of hostas. Additionally, many ornamental grasses are drought-tolerant, making them a low-maintenance companion for water-loving hostas.

Some ornamental grasses that pair well with hostas include the Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster') and the Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). Plant these grasses in clusters among your hostas to create a dynamic, textural contrast.

Annuals and Bulbs

Annuals and bulbs can add vibrant pops of color to your hosta garden, creating a dynamic and ever-changing landscape. Their temporary nature allows you to experiment with different color combinations and planting schemes each year.

Some annuals that grow well with hostas include the Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) and the Begonia (Begonia semperflorens). For bulbs, consider planting Daffodils (Narcissus) or Tulips (Tulipa) among your hostas. These bulbs will naturalize over time, providing a reliable source of early spring color.

In a garden, every plant has the potential to be a companion to hostas. Their versatility and wide range of sizes, colors, and patterns make them an excellent choice for creating a harmonious and visually appealing landscape. So go ahead, experiment with different plant combinations, and watch as your garden evolves into a unique reflection of your personal style.