What Plants Go Well With Hostas

Basics

• Hosta prefers light to full shade and thrives in average to rich, moist soil. The plant grows in mounds with broad leaves reaching heights of 6 inches to 3 feet depending on type. The hosta is most valued for its leaves, but some types also send up flower spikes. They are hardy in zones 3 to 8 and require little care. Match light and soil conditions with annual or perennial companion plants for a successful collaboration.

Full Gardens

• A partially shaded site springs to colorful life when American Icon hosta is combined with bleeding heart, cranesbill (geranium), alliums and iris. The broad leaves of the hosta are a perfect background for the delicate red bells of the bleeding heart and magenta flowers of the cranesbill while filling the space between the spiky stalks of the iris and alliums. Mix hosta with ferns and astilbes for moister shadier spots remembering the darker the leaves of the hosta, the deeper the shade it needs.

Borders and Ground Covers

• Plant Bright Lights or any other multi-colored hosta under peonies for a pretty and practical border. The heavy foliage of the hosta provides a natural support for the floppy peony. Interplant the tiny blue cadet hosta with primrose and periwinkle around your shade gardens to attract butterflies. For a fragrant stroll in the moonlight, try Gold Edgar hosta with yellow, white and lavender horn-of-plenty that only blooms at night.

Trouble Spots

• Replace that weedy section of lawn beside your path to the garage with glossy green and cream American Icon hosta and colorful annual begonias for a lush, no-mow landscape. Hosta works well under the trees of even the most heavily wooded area. Plant them in pockets around the tree roots with colorful foam flower and wooly violet or choose an all green pallet by using maidenhair fern and Solomon’s seal.