What Perennials to Plant with Hostas

Hostas, with their lush, green foliage and beautiful flowers, are a staple in many gardens. They're known for their hardiness and low maintenance, making them a popular choice among gardeners. But what can you plant with hostas to create a harmonious and visually appealing garden? Let's explore some perennials that pair well with hostas.

When choosing plants to complement your hostas, consider factors like color, texture, height, and bloom time. You want plants that will enhance your hostas, not overpower them. Here are some perennials that do just that.

Complementary Colors

Hostas come in a variety of colors, from blue-green to gold, and even with white or cream margins. To create a balanced garden, consider planting perennials in complementary colors.

For instance, if you have blue-green hostas, consider planting yellow or gold perennials nearby. This contrast can create a striking visual effect. Similarly, if you have gold hostas, blue or purple perennials can provide a beautiful contrast.

Yellow and Gold Perennials

Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) and Coreopsis are excellent choices for their vibrant yellow blooms. They pair well with blue-green hostas and provide a pop of color in the garden.

Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm') is a hardy perennial with dark centers and golden petals that contrast beautifully with the blue-green foliage of hostas like 'Guacamole' or 'Patriot'.

Blue and Purple Perennials

Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) is a low-maintenance perennial with spikes of lavender-blue flowers. It pairs well with gold hostas like 'August Moon' or 'Golden Tiara'.

Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca) is a ornamental grass with narrow, steel-blue leaves. It provides texture and contrast to gold hostas and can also help to hide the base of the hostas, creating a cleaner look.

Textural Contrast

Hostas have broad, often heart-shaped leaves. To create visual interest, consider planting perennials with different textures nearby.

For example, if you have hostas with wavy or puckered leaves, planting smooth-leaved perennials nearby can create a striking contrast. Conversely, if your hostas have smooth leaves, adding textural interest with plants like ornamental grasses or ferns can add depth to your garden.

Ornamental Grasses

Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum) has arching, feathery plumes that sway in the breeze. Its light, airy texture contrasts beautifully with the dense foliage of hostas.

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster') is a tall, upright grass with narrow, green leaves and feathery plumes. It provides height and texture, making it an excellent choice for the back of a border.

Ferns

Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina) has delicate, lacy fronds that provide a soft, textural contrast to the broad leaves of hostas. It's also a great choice for shady gardens, as are many hostas.

Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) has distinctive, cinnamon-colored new growth and provides a bold textural contrast to hostas. It's also a great choice for moist, shady areas.

Incorporating a variety of perennials with hostas can create a dynamic, interesting garden. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors, textures, and heights to find the combinations that work best in your space. Happy gardening!