Lily of the Valley & Hosta Companion Plants

Cultivation

• Lily of the valley, Convallaria majalis, has small white flowers that are shaped like bells. The plant grows best in partial to full shade and must be planted in moist soil. Lily of the valley grows in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8, and blooms in early to mid-spring. Hostas, also known as plantain lilies, grow in the same climate, in zones 3 through 9. Hostas also grow in moist soil and partial shade, though they survive in far less shade than lilies of the valley. Unlike lily of the valley plants, hostas may be planted in full sunlight. Because of their similar growing conditions, hostas and lily of the valley may be planted together as companions.

Pest-Repellent Companions

• Neither hostas nor lilies of the valley are highly attractive to pests, but some insects may pose a small threat to the flowers. Cut worms, grasshoppers, snails and leaf beetles may attack hostas. Deer, mice and voles are much more problematic; they are drawn to the sweet smell of hosta plants and the tasty foliage. Few insects are drawn to lily of the valley, but black vine weevils do feed on the leaves at times. Highly aromatic plants help keep insects and even larger pests away from garden beds. Onions (Allium), garlic (Allium sativium), catnip (Nepeta), common wormwood (Artemisia vulgaris), basil (Ocimum) and strongly scented mint plants make good companions because they help keep insects, rodents and deer away from hostas and lilies of the valley.

Lily of the Valley Companions

• Lily of the valley is an attractive, easy-to-grow flowering plant, but it may be a little too easy to cultivate. Lily of the valley is considered invasive by many gardeners because of its spreading tendencies and ability to grow in a variety of soils. Companion plants must grow in the same conditions as lily of the valley, and be tough enough not to be completely overtaken by the flower's spreading habits. Wood anemone (Anemone quinquefolia) produce pure white flowers and deep, green foliage that complements lily of the valley's coloring. Fumewort (Corydalis) grows in every hardiness zone in the United States and makes for a colorful contrast against lily of the valley.

Hosta Companions

• Hosta leaves grow with attractive, bushy foliage. Some species of hostas produce colorful, variegated leaves. The leaves of the plant grow first in spring and are much larger than the small, short-lived purplish blooms that appear in summer. Showy flowers make attractive companions for hostas; the colorful blooms contrast and complement the green foliage. Snowdrop (Galanthus), daffodil (Narcissus), hellebore (Helleborus), tulip (Tulipa) and forget-me-nots (Myosotis) will not compete with hostas for nutrients and make good companion plants.