Decorating With Hostas & Begonias

Hostas

• Hostas are outstanding performers in shady gardens. Although some newer hosta cultivars are bred for sun tolerance, they still thrive in shadier locations. The American Hosta Society notes hundreds of hosta species, from which thousands of cultivars have been bred. Prized for their foliage, which includes solid, variegated, speckled and patterned choices, hostas also bear flowers that rise on tall scapes and attract hummingbirds. Reliably hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture Zone 4, hostas are native to China, Japan and Korea.

Begonias

• Many begonias are shade-garden companions of hostas. Waxleaf, or bedding, begonias with reddish-bronze leaves are suited for full-sun locations, but green-leaved waxleaf begonias prefer shade. Dragon Wing begonia, which is a hybrid cross between a waxleaf and an angel wing begonia, has exceptional growth rate and vigor. Rex begonias, like hostas, are grown primarily for their foliage. Leaves sport a rainbow of colors including green, pink, red and silver, with some having contrasting veins or leaf margins. Waxleaf, tuberous and rex begonias are not cold hardy and thus must be brought inside during winter months.

Specimen Plantings

• Exterior decorating with a single hosta in a container is “dramatic and sculptural,” according to the University of Minnesota Extension. Some hostas, such as “Sum and Substance” and “Sagae,” reach spreads of five feet. Hostas overwinter in large, thick-walled containers and re-emerge each spring after dormancy. Large Dragon Wing begonias are showcased beautifully as single container specimens because of their arching stems and large clusters of flowers. When placed at eye level on patio tables, contrasting containers frame rex begonia's showy leaves.

Mixed Plantings

• Designing a “moon garden” and decorating it with hostas and begonias bring natural illumination to sitting areas or garden paths. Pairing hostas having white variegation with white-flowering begonias brightens the landscape as the sun sets. Mississippi State University Extension Service lists begonias as one of eight annual flowers that attract hummingbirds. Hang a large basket with red or pink Dragon Wing begonias on a shepherd’s hook as a natural hummingbird feeder. Plant hostas around the shepherd’s hook and let their flowers grow to attract more hummingbirds.