What to Plant With Hostas: A Comprehensive Guide

What to Plant With Hostas?

When it comes to planting companions for hostas, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Some plants that pair well with hostas include astilbe, azalea, barrenwort, begonia, bleeding heart, bugleweed, caladium, clematis, coleus, coral bells, daylily, dogwood, ferns, foamflower, hydrangea, Japanese Hakone grass, leopard plant, lungwort, and Siberian bugloss.

These plants complement hostas beautifully and create stunning and cohesive garden arrangements.

Key Points:

  • There are plenty of options for planting companions for hostas
  • Some plants that pair well with hostas include astilbe, azalea, begonia, bleeding heart, and caladium
  • Other suitable companions for hostas are clematis, coleus, coral bells, and daylily
  • Ferns, foamflower, hydrangea, and Japanese Hakone grass are also good choices
  • Leopard plant, lungwort, and Siberian bugloss enhance the beauty of hostas
  • Pairing these plants with hostas creates stunning and cohesive garden arrangements.

Did You Know?

1. Did you know that hostas actually have edible flowers? They bloom in mid-summer and their blossoms have a sweet taste, making a unique addition to salads or as a garnish.

2. When planting hostas, consider adding ladybugs to your garden. These beneficial insects are natural predators of aphids, which are a common pest that can damage hosta leaves. Ladybugs will help keep the aphid population in check!

3. Hostas are extremely resilient plants and can recover from being accidentally run over by a lawnmower. If you accidentally damage your hostas, don’t despair! Give them some time and proper care, and they will likely bounce back.

4. Some hosta varieties have a mesmerizing fragrance. Fragrant hostas, such as the ‘Guacamole’ or ‘Royal Standard’, emit a pleasant scent that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

5. Hostas are not only loved by gardeners but also by deer! If you have a deer population in your area, it’s important to choose hosta varieties that are less attractive to them. Some deer-resistant hosta varieties include ‘Patriot,’ ‘Sagae,’ and ‘June.’

Astilbe

Astilbe is an excellent companion plant for hostas due to its similar growth requirements and complementary aesthetics. With its feathery plumes of pink, white, or red flowers, astilbe adds a touch of elegance to any garden bed. When planted alongside hostas, they create a beautiful contrast in height and texture. Astilbe thrives in partially shaded areas, making it the perfect partner for hostas, which also prefer filtered sunlight. Additionally, astilbe’s dense foliage acts as a living mulch, helping to suppress weed growth and retain moisture in the soil.

To plant astilbe with hostas, choose a location that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. Dig a hole slightly larger than the astilbe’s root ball, place the plant in the hole, and backfill with soil, ensuring that the crown is level with the soil surface. Water thoroughly to settle the soil. Regular watering and mulching are essential for the successful establishment of both astilbe and hostas.

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Azalea

Azaleas are another fantastic companion plant for hostas, creating a stunning display of color and texture. These flowering shrubs offer a wide range of hues, including shades of pink, purple, white, and red. Planting azaleas with hostas creates a harmonious blend of different leaf shapes and sizes, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the garden. Similar to hostas, azaleas prefer partial shade or filtered sunlight and thrive in moist, well-drained soil.

When planting azaleas with hostas, it is crucial to consider the specific variety of azalea and its growth habit. Some azalea species are compact and work well as understory plants, while others can become quite large. Select varieties that will not overshadow or outcompete the hostas. Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil and incorporating organic matter. Dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the azalea’s root ball, place the plant in the hole, and backfill with soil, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Water deeply after planting and provide regular irrigation to keep the soil consistently moist.

Barrenwort

Barrenwort, also known as Epimedium, is an excellent perennial to plant with hostas, particularly in shaded or woodland garden settings. Known for its delicate and intricate flowers, barrenwort adds a unique charm to any garden bed. The heart-shaped leaves of hostas create a beautiful backdrop for the dainty blooms of barrenwort. Both plants have similar moisture requirements and can tolerate dappled sunlight or shade.

To plant barrenwort with hostas, prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost or peat moss. Dig a hole slightly larger than the barrenwort’s root ball, place the plant in the hole, and backfill with soil, ensuring that the crown is level with the soil surface. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist during the establishment period. Once established, barrenwort and hostas require minimal maintenance but benefit from regular watering during dry spells.

Begonia

Begonias can be a great addition to hosta-filled garden beds, thanks to their versatile nature. They bring vibrant flowers and visually appealing foliage, adding a pop of color and interest. The contrasting leaf shapes and textures of both begonias and hostas create a dynamic display, enhancing the depth and dimension of the garden.

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To ensure successful planting, there are a few steps to follow when pairing begonias with hostas. First, choose a location that offers morning sunlight and afternoon shade. This balance of light is ideal for their growth. Second, prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. This step lays the foundation for healthy plants.

Next, dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the begonia. Place the plant in the hole and fill it with soil, ensuring that the crown of the plant is level with the soil surface. This will provide the necessary stability for growth. After planting, make sure to water the begonias thoroughly. It is also essential to maintain regular irrigation to keep the soil consistently moist, without it becoming soggy. This will contribute to the overall health of the plants.

Mulching around the begonias is highly recommended as it helps retain moisture and keeps weed growth in check.

To summarize:

  • Begonias bring vibrant flowers and striking foliage to hosta-filled garden beds
  • Contrasting leaf shapes and textures create an interesting visual display
  • Choose a location with morning sunlight and afternoon shade for ideal growth
  • Prepare the soil with organic matter for improved drainage and fertility
  • Dig a hole slightly larger than the begonia’s root ball and plant at the same level as the soil surface
  • Thoroughly water after planting and maintain regular irrigation
  • Mulching helps with moisture retention and weed suppression.

Bleeding Heart

Bleeding Hearts, with their delicate heart-shaped flowers, are a popular choice for planting alongside hostas. The elegant arching stems of bleeding hearts provide a beautiful contrast to the broad, lush foliage of hostas. Both plants thrive in shaded or partially shaded areas and prefer moist, well-drained soil. When planted together, bleeding hearts and hostas create a harmonious combination that adds a touch of romance and grace to any garden.

To plant bleeding hearts with hostas, follow these steps:

  • Select a location that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade.
  • Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
  • Dig a hole slightly larger than the bleeding heart’s root ball.
  • Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, ensuring that the crown is level with the soil surface.
  • Water thoroughly after planting and provide regular irrigation to keep the soil consistently moist.
  • Mulching around the base of the plants helps conserve moisture and suppress weed growth.
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Tip: When selecting plants to accompany hostas, consider their complementary growth requirements and aesthetic appeal. Choose plants like astilbe, azalea, barrenwort, begonia, and bleeding heart to ensure a visually stunning and harmonious garden bed.

By carefully arranging these plants and providing the necessary care, you can create a vibrant and flourishing garden that showcases the beauty of hostas and their wonderful plant companions.


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Frequently Asked Questions

What looks good with hosta plants?

In addition to the mentioned spring-flowering companions for hostas, there are various other options that can beautifully complement these plants. Some of the lovely choices include bleeding heart (Dicentra), astilbe, heuchera, impatiens, and Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum). These flowers possess unique characteristics that enhance the overall aesthetic appeal when paired with hostas, creating a delightful garden display.

What do you put around hostas?

When it comes to protecting and enhancing the growth of hostas, it is advisable to surround them with a suitable material. Options such as organic mulch, including bark chips or leaves, can be used to provide an extra layer of insulation and promote moisture retention in the soil. However, it is crucial to strike a balance as excessive mulch can inadvertently create a haven for pests and rodents, who might take advantage of the hiding spot to feast on your beloved plants.

How do you arrange a hosta garden?

When arranging a hosta garden, it’s crucial to create visual impact by massing 3 to 5 plants of the same hosta variety. This concentrated grouping enhances the overall aesthetic appeal and allows the individual plants to interact harmoniously with each other. Avoid overwhelming the design with too many different variegated hostas, as this can result in a chaotic feel. Instead, opt for a single white variegated or patterned variety as a focal point, or encircle a single variegated specimen with solid colors to add contrast and depth to the arrangement.

Can hostas grow in full sun?

Hostas have a preference for shaded areas, especially those with blue-green leaves or white variegation. However, if you are considering planting hostas in full sun, it is recommended to opt for varieties with green, chartreuse, or golden leaves as they have a higher tolerance for sunlight. These hostas can handle more sun exposure as long as they receive sufficient moisture, reducing the risk of leaf scorching. Therefore, it is possible to cultivate hostas in full sun by selecting the appropriate varieties and ensuring they have access to adequate hydration.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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