What to Plant with Hostas: Best Companion Plants

Hostas, those lush, shade-loving perennials with their stunning foliage, are a staple in many gardens. But what to plant with hostas? The answer lies in understanding their growth habits, shade tolerance, and the visual contrast they provide. Here, we'll explore various plants that complement hostas, creating harmonious and captivating garden landscapes.

Hostas thrive in partial to full shade and prefer well-drained, moist soil. They come in a variety of sizes, from small to large, and their leaves range from heart-shaped to lance-like, offering a plethora of textures and colors. When selecting companion plants, consider those that share similar growing conditions and provide a striking contrast to hostas' bold foliage.

Shade-Loving Perennials

Pairing hostas with other shade-loving perennials creates a cohesive, low-maintenance garden bed. These plants share similar growing conditions and provide a lush, green backdrop for hostas' vibrant foliage.

Astilbe

Astilbe, also known as false spirea, produces stunning, feathery plumes of flowers that contrast beautifully with hostas' solid leaves. They prefer similar growing conditions, thriving in partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. Astilbe's airy blooms add a delicate touch to hosta beds, while their fern-like foliage provides a soft contrast.

Plant astilbe near the front of your garden bed, as they typically grow between 12 to 36 inches tall, depending on the variety. Their delicate flowers attract pollinators, adding another layer of interest to your garden.

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are versatile shrubs that produce stunning blooms and provide excellent shade tolerance. Their large, round flower clusters contrast nicely with hostas' varied leaf shapes and textures. Choose hydrangea varieties that share similar growing conditions, such as 'Annabelle' or 'Invincibelle Spirit,' which thrive in partial to full shade.

Plant hydrangeas as a backdrop or centerpiece in your garden bed, allowing their size and blooms to showcase hostas' unique foliage. Their large, round blooms provide a striking contrast to hostas' more subtle beauty.

Contrasting Foliage Plants

Combining hostas with plants featuring contrasting foliage creates a dynamic and eye-catching garden display. These plants provide a striking backdrop or foreground, highlighting hostas' vibrant leaves.

Heuchera

Heuchera, or coral bells, offer a stunning array of foliage colors, from deep purple to silver and chartreuse. Their small size and low growth habit make them excellent companions for hostas, providing a striking contrast to hostas' larger leaves. Heuchera prefers partial shade and well-drained soil, making it an ideal partner for hostas.

Plant heuchera in groupings throughout your garden bed, allowing their vibrant foliage to complement and contrast with hostas. Their small size and mounding growth habit make them perfect for edging or filling in spaces between larger hosta varieties.

Brunnera

Brunnera, also known as forget-me-nots, produce beautiful, sky-blue flowers that contrast nicely with hostas' green foliage. Their heart-shaped leaves, similar in shape to some hosta varieties, provide a subtle contrast in texture and color. Brunnera thrives in partial to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil.

Plant brunnera in drifts throughout your garden bed, allowing their blue flowers to pop against hostas' green foliage. Their low growth habit and similar water requirements make them an excellent companion for hostas.

Incorporating a mix of shade-loving perennials and contrasting foliage plants creates a dynamic and captivating garden landscape. By understanding and embracing hostas' unique growth habits and foliage, you can design a garden that showcases their beauty while providing a harmonious and engaging environment for both plants and visitors alike. So go ahead, experiment with different combinations, and create a garden that reflects your personal style and love for these stunning shade-lovers.