Companion Plants for Hostas: A Guide to Improving Your Garden

Are you looking to add some color and diversity to your garden? If so, companion planting might be just the thing for you. Companion planting is the practice of planting different species of plants together in order to benefit one another. One of the most popular plants for companion planting is the hosta, a leafy perennial that thrives in shaded areas. In this article, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for hostas and how they can enhance your garden.

Why Companion Planting Works

Companion planting has been used for centuries as a way to promote plant health and improve crop yield. When certain plants are grown together, they can work together to repel pests, attract beneficial insects, and even nourish each other through their root systems. By choosing the right companion plants for your hostas, you can create a thriving ecosystem in your garden that will benefit all of your plants.

The Best Companion Plants for Hostas

Here are some of the best companion plants for hostas:

Astilbe

Astilbe is a shade-loving perennial that produces beautiful plumes of pink, red, or white flowers. It's a perfect companion plant for hostas because it shares similar growing conditions and adds a pop of color to your garden. Astilbe also attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, which can help pollinate your other plants.

Ferns

Ferns are another shade-loving plant that make great companions for hostas. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from delicate lacey ferns to large, leafy ones. Ferns and hostas have similar growing conditions and can create a lush, green backdrop for other plants in your garden.

Heuchera

Heuchera, also known as coral bells, is a shade-loving perennial that produces colorful foliage in shades of pink, purple, and green. It's a great companion plant for hostas because it adds some much-needed color to your garden and thrives in the same growing conditions.

Lamium

Lamium, also known as deadnettle, is a low-growing groundcover that produces pretty pink, purple, or white flowers. It's a perfect companion plant for hostas because it helps to suppress weeds and creates a beautiful carpet of color around your hostas.

Japanese Painted Fern

The Japanese painted fern is a stunningly beautiful fern with silver and burgundy leaves that make it stand out in any garden. It's a perfect companion plant for hostas because it has similar growing conditions and adds a unique touch to your garden.

Bleeding Heart

Bleeding heart is a shade-loving perennial that produces delicate pink or white heart-shaped flowers. It's a great companion plant for hostas because it adds some color to your garden and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

Brunnera

Brunnera, also known as Siberian bugloss, is a shade-loving perennial that produces pretty blue flowers in the spring. It's a perfect companion plant for hostas because it has similar growing conditions and adds a pop of color to your garden.

Columbine

Columbine is a shade-loving perennial that produces delicate bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and blue. It's a great companion plant for hostas because it adds some color to your garden and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

Epimedium

Epimedium, also known as barrenwort, is a shade-loving perennial that produces delicate yellow, white, or pink flowers. It's a perfect companion plant for hostas because it has similar growing conditions and adds some color to your garden.

Hellebores

Hellebores, also known as Lenten roses, are shade-loving perennials that produce beautiful flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and green. They're a great companion plant for hostas because they bloom in late winter or early spring when most other plants are still dormant.

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are a popular flowering shrub that can add some color to your garden. They prefer partial shade and moist soil, which makes them a good companion plant for hostas. Hydrangeas come in a variety of colors, including pink, blue, white, and purple.

Impatiens

Impatiens are an annual plant that produces bright, colorful flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, orange, and white. They're a great companion plant for hostas because they thrive in shady areas and add some much-needed color to your garden.

Lungwort

Lungwort is a shade-loving perennial that produces pretty pink, blue, or white flowers in the spring. It's a perfect companion plant for hostas because it has similar growing conditions and adds some color to your garden.

Phlox

Phlox is a shade-loving perennial that produces beautiful pink, purple, or white flowers. It's a great companion plant for hostas because it adds some color to your garden and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

Primrose

Primrose is a shade-loving perennial that produces delicate flowers in shades of pink, purple, yellow, and white. It's a perfect companion plant for hostas because it has similar growing conditions and adds some color to your garden.

Solomon's Seal

Solomon's seal is a shade-loving perennial that produces delicate white or green flowers in the spring. It's a great companion plant for hostas because it adds some texture to your garden and thrives in the same growing conditions.

How to Plant Companion Plants with Hostas

When planting companion plants with hostas, it's important to choose plants that have similar growing conditions. Most companion plants for hostas prefer partial shade and well-drained soil. Make sure to plant your companion plants at the same depth as your hostas, and give them plenty of room to grow. You can also add a layer of mulch around your plants to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I plant hostas with other types of plants?

A: Yes! Hostas can be planted with a variety of other plants, but it's important to choose plants that have similar growing conditions.

Q: Do I need to fertilize my companion plants?

A: It depends on the type of plant. Some companion plants, like ferns and astilbe, don't require much fertilizer. Others, like hydrangeas and impatiens, benefit from regular fertilization.

Q: Will companion plants attract pests to my garden?

A: It's possible, but if you choose the right companion plants, they can actually help repel pests. For example, marigolds are known to repel aphids and other garden pests.

Q: Can I plant hostas with vegetables?

A: Yes, but it's important to choose the right vegetables. Hostas and vegetables that require the same growing conditions can be planted together, but some vegetables, like tomatoes, require full sun and may not do well in shaded areas.

Q: How often should I water my companion plants?

A: It depends on the type of plant and the climate. Most shade-loving plants prefer moist soil, so make sure to water them regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.



Companion planting is a great way to improve the health and diversity of your garden. By choosing the right companion plants for your hostas, you can create a thriving ecosystem that benefits all of your plants. Whether you're looking to add some color to your garden or repel pests naturally, there's a companion plant out there for you. So get planting and enjoy the beauty and benefits of companion planting!