Best Hosta Companions For A Stunning Shade Garden

Hostas are one of the most popular shade-loving perennials, and for good reason. They come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and shapes, and they can provide beautiful foliage all season long. But if you want to create a truly stunning shade garden, you need to choose the right companion plants for your hostas.

The best hosta companions are those that have similar growing conditions and that complement the hostas' foliage. Some good options include:

• Ferns: Ferns are a classic choice for companion plants for hostas. They have similar light and moisture requirements, and they add a touch of elegance to any shade garden. Some good fern companions for hostas include maidenhair fern, Japanese painted fern, and ostrich fern.
• Astilbes: Astilbes are another great choice for companion plants for hostas. They come in a variety of colors, and they bloom in the summer, which helps to extend the flowering season in your shade garden. Some good astilbe companions for hostas include purple astilbe, white astilbe, and pink astilbe.
• Bleeding hearts: Bleeding hearts are a beautiful addition to any shade garden. They have delicate pink or white flowers that bloom in the spring, and their heart-shaped leaves add a touch of whimsy. Some good bleeding heart companions for hostas include white bleeding heart, blue bleeding heart, and pink bleeding heart.
• Epimediums: Epimediums are a type of flowering perennial that is native to Asia. They come in a variety of colors, and they bloom in the spring. Epimediums are a good choice for companion plants for hostas because they have similar light and moisture requirements. Some good epimedium companions for hostas include yellow epimedium, red epimedium, and green epimedium.
• Lilies of the valley: Lilies of the valley are a classic choice for shade gardens. They have delicate white flowers that bloom in the spring, and their sweet fragrance is sure to delight. Some good lilies of the valley companions for hostas include white lilies of the valley, pink lilies of the valley, and blue lilies of the valley.

These are just a few of the many great companion plants for hostas. When choosing companion plants, it is important to consider the hostas' light and moisture requirements, as well as the colors and textures of the plants. With a little planning, you can create a stunning shade garden that will be the envy of your neighbors.

• Bergenia: This evergreen perennial has lush foliage that complements the hosta's leaves.
• Cranesbill (Geranium): These flowers come in a variety of colors and bloom throughout the summer.
• Daffodil: These spring-flowering bulbs add a touch of brightness to a hosta bed.
• Hyacinth: These fragrant spring-flowering bulbs are a popular choice for hosta beds.
• Muscari: These spring-flowering bulbs add a touch of blue to a hosta bed.
• Spurge (Euphorbia): This evergreen perennial has interesting foliage and blooms in the summer.
• Solomon's seal: This shade-loving perennial has attractive foliage and blooms in the spring.
• Trillium: This woodland wildflower has delicate flowers and blooms in the spring.
• Tulips: These spring-flowering bulbs add a touch of color to a hosta bed.

FAQ of hosta companions

Q: What are some good companion plants for hostas?

A: There are many great companion plants for hostas, but some of the most popular include:

• Spring-flowering bulbs: These include daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and muscari. They bloom in early spring, before the hostas fully leaf out, and add a splash of color to the garden.
• Ferns: Ferns are another good choice for companion plants for hostas. They have similar growing requirements, and their delicate fronds provide a nice contrast to the hostas' large leaves.
• Perennials: There are many different perennials that can be grown with hostas, including astilbes, begonias, geraniums, and hydrangeas. These plants all prefer shady conditions, and they add a variety of colors and textures to the garden.
• Annuals: Some annuals that can be grown with hostas include impatiens, torenia, and lobelia. These plants add bright colors to the garden in the summer, and they can be easily replaced each year.

Q: What are some things to consider when choosing companion plants for hostas?

A: When choosing companion plants for hostas, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Shade requirements: Hostas prefer shady conditions, so it's important to choose companion plants that also do well in shade.
• Water requirements: Hostas need moist soil, so companion plants should also have similar water requirements.
• Height: Hostas come in a variety of heights, so it's important to choose companion plants that will complement their height. For example, you might want to plant shorter plants in front of tall hostas, and taller plants behind shorter hostas.
• Color: Hostas come in a variety of colors, so you can choose companion plants that will complement their colors. For example, you might want to plant white hostas with blue flowers, or yellow hostas with purple flowers.

Q: How do I plant hosta companions?

A: When planting hosta companions, it's important to follow a few simple steps:

1. Choose a location that gets partial to full shade.
2. Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter.
3. Space the plants according to their mature size.
4. Water the plants well after planting.

Q: How do I care for hosta companions?

A: Hosta companions are relatively easy to care for. They need regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. They also benefit from an annual application of compost or other organic matter. In addition, it's important to deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.

Image of hosta companions

Here are 10 different images of hosta companions that are free to use:

• Allium: This spring-flowering bulb adds height and interest to a hosta border.
• Bergenia: This hardy perennial has attractive foliage that stays green all year round.
• Cranesbill (Geranium): This versatile plant comes in a variety of colors and can be used to fill in the gaps between hostas.
• Daffodil: These cheerful spring flowers are a classic companion for hostas.
• Hyacinth: These fragrant flowers add a touch of elegance to a hosta border.
• Muscari: These small, blue flowers are a great way to add color to a shady spot.
• Spurge (Euphorbia): This spiky plant adds contrast to the smooth foliage of hostas.
• Solomon's seal: This woodland plant has delicate white flowers that bloom in the spring.
• Trillium: This shade-loving wildflower has three petals that bloom in shades of white, pink, or purple.
• Tulip: These spring flowers come in a variety of colors and can be used to add a splash of color to a hosta border.

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