Best Perennials to Pair with Hostas in Pots

Hostas, with their lush, green foliage and beautiful flower spikes, are a staple in many gardens. But what should you plant with hostas in pots to create a harmonious and visually appealing container garden? The key is to choose plants that complement the hostas' size, color, and growth habits. Here are some excellent perennial companions to pair with your hostas in pots.

Before we dive into the specifics, remember that when planting in pots, consider the plant's mature size, growth rate, and light and water requirements. This will help you create a balanced and healthy container garden.

Shade-Loving Companions

Hostas thrive in partial to full shade, making them perfect for shady patios and north-facing gardens. If you're looking for shade-loving companions, consider the following perennials.

Astilbe

Astilbe, also known as false spirea, produces stunning plumes of flowers that complement the hosta's leafy texture. They prefer similar growing conditions, thriving in partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. Their fern-like foliage also adds a lovely contrast to the hosta's broad leaves.

For a striking combination, pair 'August Moon' hosta with 'Fanal' astilbe. The hosta's golden margins will contrast beautifully with the astilbe's deep red plumes.

Heuchera

Heuchera, or coral bells, come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them excellent companions for hostas. Their low growth habit and mounding shape make them perfect for the front of a pot or as a filler plant. They prefer similar growing conditions to hostas, thriving in partial shade and well-drained soil.

Try pairing 'Guacamole' heuchera with 'Patriot' hosta. The heuchera's lime green leaves will provide a striking contrast to the hosta's red and green foliage.

Sun-Loving Companions

While hostas prefer shade, some varieties can tolerate a bit of sun, especially in cooler climates. If you're looking to add some sun-loving perennials to your pot, consider the following.

Lavender

Lavender is a sun-loving perennial that produces fragrant, purple flowers. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate some shade. Pairing lavender with hostas can create a beautiful contrast in texture and color.

Try 'Blue Angel' hosta with 'Hidcote' lavender. The hosta's blue-green leaves will complement the lavender's gray-green foliage and purple flowers.

Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) are cheerful, sun-loving perennials that produce yellow daisy-like flowers with dark centers. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate some shade. Their upright growth habit makes them perfect for the back of a pot.

Pair 'Golden Tiara' hosta with 'Indian Summer' black-eyed Susan. The hosta's golden leaves will complement the black-eyed Susan's yellow flowers, creating a warm and inviting container garden.

When selecting plants for your pot, remember to consider their growth habits and mature sizes. This will help you create a balanced and harmonious container garden that thrives for years to come. So, get creative and have fun mixing and matching your hostas with these beautiful perennials!