What to Plant Around Hostas: Best Companion Plants

Hostas, with their lush, green leaves and varied patterns, are a staple in many gardens. When it comes to planting companions, there are numerous options that can complement and enhance your hostas' beauty while also benefiting their growth. Let's delve into some excellent choices for plants to grow around your hostas.

When selecting plants to pair with your hostas, consider factors like height, color, texture, and growth habits. The ideal companion plants should complement your hostas' foliage, provide contrast, and create a harmonious, balanced look in your garden.

Shade-Loving Perennials

Hostas thrive in partial to full shade, making them excellent companions for other shade-loving perennials. This combination not only creates a visually appealing garden but also promotes healthy growth for both plants.

Shade-loving perennials come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, offering plenty of options to choose from. Some popular choices include:

Astilbe

Astilbe, also known as false spirea, produces stunning, feathery plumes in various colors, such as pink, purple, and white. Their delicate appearance contrasts beautifully with the substantial leaves of hostas. Astilbe prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade, making it an ideal companion for hostas.

To create a striking contrast, pair hostas with astilbe in shades that complement each other. For example, combine 'August Moon' hostas with 'Fanal' astilbe for a captivating blend of cream and pink.

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are versatile shrubs that produce beautiful, showy flowers in summer. Some varieties, like 'Annabelle' and 'Invincibelle Spirit,' thrive in partial shade, making them excellent companions for hostas. Their large, round flower clusters provide a striking contrast to the hostas' foliage.

Plant hydrangeas behind or beside your hostas to create a lush, layered look. As an added bonus, hydrangeas can change color based on soil pH, adding even more interest to your garden.

Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses add texture, movement, and height to your garden, making them excellent companions for hostas. Many grasses are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, requiring minimal care once established.

When selecting ornamental grasses, look for varieties that complement your hostas' size and growth habits. Some popular choices include:

Carex

Carex, or sedges, are versatile, low-growing grasses that form dense clumps. Their narrow leaves create a striking contrast with the broad leaves of hostas. Carex is available in various colors, including green, blue-green, and variegated.

Plant carex in front of or between your hostas to create a lush, textured border. For example, pair 'Ice Ballet' hostas with 'Blue Zinger' carex for a captivating blend of white and blue-green.

Miscanthus

Miscanthus, also known as maiden grass, is a tall, upright grass that produces attractive plumes in late summer. Its upright growth habit makes it an excellent choice for adding height and texture to your garden.

Plant miscanthus behind your hostas to create a striking vertical accent. As an added bonus, miscanthus provides habitat and food for wildlife. For example, pair 'Patriot' hostas with 'Morning Light' miscanthus for a stunning combination of gold and green.

In your garden, experiment with different plant combinations to create a unique, personalized look. By selecting plants that complement your hostas' foliage and growth habits, you'll create a beautiful, harmonious space that you'll enjoy for years to come. Happy gardening!