What Plants Pair Well With Hostas?

What Plants Do Well With Hostas?

Hostas are one of the most popular perennials in the garden, and for good reason. They are easy to grow, tolerate a wide range of conditions, and come in a variety of colors and leaf shapes. But what plants do well with hostas?

In this article, we will discuss some of the best companion plants for hostas, including those that help to improve the health of the hostas, deter pests, and provide a beautiful backdrop for the hostas’ foliage. We will also provide some tips on how to plant and care for these companion plants.

So if you’re looking to add some beautiful and low-maintenance plants to your garden, read on for our recommendations for the best plants to grow with hostas!

What Plants Do Well With Hostas?

| Plant Name | Type | Companion Benefits |
|—|—|—|
| Astilbe | Perennial | Shade, moisture |
| Coral Bells | Perennial | Shade, moisture |
| Ferns | Perennial | Shade, moisture |
| Heuchera | Perennial | Shade, moisture |
| Iris | Perennial | Sun, partial shade |
| Primrose | Perennial | Sun, partial shade |
| Solomon’s Seal | Perennial | Shade, moisture |
| Tiarella | Perennial | Shade, moisture |

Hostas are a popular choice for shade gardens, and for good reason. They are easy to grow, tolerant of a wide range of conditions, and come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. But what plants do well with hostas?

The best companion plants for hostas will provide similar growing conditions, attract pollinators, provide contrasting colors or textures, and help to deter pests. In this article, we will discuss the different factors to consider when choosing companion plants for hostas, and we will recommend some specific plants that make good partners.

Companion Plants for Hostas

When choosing companion plants for hostas, there are a few factors to keep in mind. First, consider the growing conditions of your hostas. Hostas prefer full to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. They are also tolerant of a wide range of pH levels.

Second, think about the size of your hostas. Hostas come in a variety of sizes, from small, ground-cover plants to large, tree-like plants. Choose companion plants that are a similar size or that will not outgrow your hostas.

Third, consider the color and texture of your hostas. Hostas come in a variety of colors, from green to blue to purple. They also have a variety of leaf textures, from smooth to ruffled. Choose companion plants that will complement the colors and textures of your hostas.

Finally, think about the purpose of your companion plants. Do you want plants that will attract pollinators? Do you want plants that will help to deter pests? Choose companion plants that will help you to achieve your goals.

Plants that Provide Similar Growing Conditions

The best companion plants for hostas are those that provide similar growing conditions. This means that they should have similar requirements for light, water, and soil pH. Some good choices for companion plants for hostas include:

  • Astilbe
  • Ferns
  • Heuchera
  • Iris
  • Lungwort
  • Paeonia
  • Rodgersia
  • Tiarella

Plants that Attract Pollinators

Hostas are not particularly showy flowers, so they do not attract a lot of pollinators on their own. However, you can help to attract pollinators to your hostas by planting companion plants that are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Some good choices for companion plants that attract pollinators include:

  • Bee balm
  • Butterfly weed
  • Coneflower
  • Echinacea
  • Lavender
  • Milkweed
  • Monarda
  • Penstemon
  • Salvia

Plants that Provide Contrasting Colors or Textures

Hostas come in a variety of colors, from green to blue to purple. They also have a variety of leaf textures, from smooth to ruffled. You can create a more interesting and visually appealing garden by planting companion plants that provide contrasting colors or textures. Some good choices for companion plants that provide contrasting colors or textures include:

  • Ajuga
  • Brunnera
  • Campanula
  • Coreopsis
  • Geranium
  • Heuchera
  • Iris
  • Lamium
  • Lobelia

Plants that Help to Deter Pests

Hostas are susceptible to a variety of pests, including aphids, slugs, and snails. You can help to deter pests from your hostas by planting companion plants that are known to repel pests. Some good choices for companion plants that help to deter pests include:

  • Catnip
  • Chives
  • Garlic
  • Mint
  • Marigolds
  • Nasturtiums
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary
  • Sage

When to Plant Companion Plants with Hostas

The best time to plant companion plants with hostas is in the spring, after the last frost. This will give the plants time to establish themselves before the heat of summer sets in.

When planting companion plants with hostas, it is important to space them properly. The plants should be spaced far enough apart so that they do not compete for resources.

It is also important to water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods.

By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden with hostas and their companion plants.

Additional Resources

  • [Hosta Society of America](https://www.hosta.org/)
  • [The American Horticultural Society](https://www.ahs.org/)
  • [The National Gardening Association](https://www.gardening.org/)

What Plants Do Well With Hostas?

Hostas are a popular choice for shade gardens, and for good reason. They are easy to grow, tolerant of a wide range of conditions, and come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. But what plants do well with hostas?

The best companion plants for hostas will complement their foliage and flowers, and help to create a lush, inviting garden space. Some good options include:

  • Astilbe: Astilbe is a perennial that produces delicate, feathery flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple. It blooms in early summer, and its foliage provides a nice contrast to the broad, green leaves of hostas.
  • Ferns: Ferns are a great choice for shady gardens, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some good options for companion plants with hostas include Japanese ferns, lady ferns, and maidenhair ferns.
  • Heuchera: Heuchera, also known as coral bells, is a perennial that produces colorful foliage in shades of red, pink, purple, and green. It blooms in late spring or early summer, and its flowers provide a nice contrast to the foliage of hostas.
  • Iris: Irises are a popular choice for gardens of all types, and they come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Some good options for companion plants with hostas include bearded irises, Siberian irises, and Japanese irises.
  • Lobelia: Lobelia is a perennial that produces delicate, bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, white, and purple. It blooms in early summer, and its flowers provide a nice contrast to the foliage of hostas.
  • Brunnera: Brunnera is a perennial that produces blue, white, or pink flowers in early spring. Its foliage is similar to that of hostas, but it is a lighter green color.
  • Epimedium: Epimedium is a perennial that produces small, white or pink flowers in early spring. Its foliage is a delicate green color, and it provides a nice contrast to the foliage of hostas.

When choosing companion plants for hostas, it is important to consider the size, shape, and color of the plants. You want to create a harmonious look that will complement the hostas without overwhelming them. You also want to make sure that the plants have similar water and soil requirements.

By choosing the right companion plants for hostas, you can create a beautiful, inviting garden space that will be a source of enjoyment for years to come.

How to Plant Companion Plants with Hostas

Planting companion plants with hostas is a great way to create a beautiful, harmonious garden space. Here are a few tips for planting companion plants with hostas:

  • Space plants appropriately. Hostas come in a variety of sizes, so it is important to space them appropriately. Generally, you should space hostas about 2-3 feet apart.
  • Water and fertilize regularly. Hostas are relatively drought-tolerant, but they will perform better if they are watered regularly. You should water hostas deeply once or twice a week during dry periods. Hostas also benefit from regular fertilization. You can fertilize hostas with a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year.
  • Mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Mulching around hostas will help to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds. You can use a variety of mulches, such as shredded bark, compost, or straw.

Maintenance of Companion Plants with Hostas

Maintaining companion plants with hostas is relatively easy. Here are a few tips for maintaining companion plants with hostas:

  • Deadhead flowers regularly. Deadheading flowers will help to keep your garden looking neat and tidy, and it will also help to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
  • Prune plants as needed. Pruning plants will help to keep them healthy and vigorous. You should prune hostas in early spring, before they start to grow new leaves.
  • Rotate plants to prevent pests and diseases. Rotating plants will help to prevent the build-up of pests and diseases. You should rotate hostas every few years.

By following these tips, you can easily maintain your companion plants with hostas and create a beautiful, inviting garden space.

Hostas are a versatile and beautiful plant that can be used in a variety of garden settings. By planting companion plants with hostas, you can create a beautiful, harmonious garden space that will be a source of enjoyment for years to come.

What Plants Do Well With Hostas?

Hostas are a popular choice for shade gardens, and for good reason. They are easy to care for, tolerant of a wide range of conditions, and come in a variety of colors and leaf shapes. But what plants do well with hostas?

Here are a few suggestions:

  • Astilbes are a great choice for companion plants for hostas because they have similar growing conditions. They both prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. Astilbes add delicate, airy blooms to the garden in late spring and summer.
  • Brunnera is another good option for hostas. It has attractive blue-green leaves that emerge in early spring and stay green all season long. Brunnera also blooms in early spring with clusters of small, white flowers.
  • Coral bells (Heuchera) are a popular choice for shade gardens, and they make excellent companions for hostas. They come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, purple, and green. Coral bells bloom in late spring and summer with small, bell-shaped flowers.
  • Daylilies are a good choice for sunny spots in the garden. They come in a wide variety of colors and bloom from early summer to fall. Daylilies can be tall or short, depending on the variety.
  • Ferns are a classic choice for shade gardens. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they add a touch of elegance to the garden. Ferns are low-maintenance plants that require little care.
  • Heucherellas are a hybrid of heuchera and tiarella. They have the best of both worlds: the colorful foliage of heuchera and the spreading habit of tiarella. Heucherellas bloom in early summer with small, white flowers.
  • Hostas are a good choice for companion plants for other hostas. They come in a variety of colors and leaf shapes, so you can create a beautiful and unique display. Hostas also help to suppress weeds and improve the soil.

When choosing companion plants for hostas, it is important to consider the following factors:

  • Sunlight: Hostas prefer partial to full shade. Make sure to choose companion plants that have similar light requirements.
  • Soil type: Hostas prefer moist, well-drained soil. Make sure to choose companion plants that are tolerant of the same soil conditions.
  • Water needs: Hostas need regular watering, especially during dry periods. Make sure to choose companion plants that have similar water needs.

By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and harmonious garden with hostas and their companion plants.

hostas are a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of garden settings. They are tolerant of shade and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions. When choosing companion plants for hostas, it is important to consider the size, shape, and light requirements of the plants. Some good companion plants for hostas include ferns, astilbe, lily of the valley, and coral bells. By carefully selecting companion plants, you can create a beautiful and harmonious garden that will be enjoyed for years to come.

Author Profile

Arthur Cook
Arthur Cook
Meet Arthur Cook, the heart and soul behind Plant4Harvest.com. Arthur’s story is deeply rooted in the rich soil of a small American town, where the horizon is wide, and the values of hard work and connection to the land run deep. Born and raised in the quaint town of Elkmont, Alabama, Arthur’s journey in agriculture began in the sprawling fields of his family’s farm, a stone’s throw away from the Tennessee border.

Arthur’s thirst for agricultural knowledge led him to Auburn University, where he majored in Agricultural Science. During his college years, Arthur dedicated his summers to working on local farms, gaining practical experience in modern farming techniques. His academic and real-world experiences combined to give him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in American agriculture.

Arthur Cook is more than just a farmer; he is an advocate for sustainable agriculture and a mentor to the next generation of farmers. Through Plant4Harvest.com, he continues to inspire, educate, and engage with a community of individuals who share his love for the land and commitment to preserving it for future generations.