Perennial Plants That Go With Hostas

Hostas are a popular choice for gardeners because of their attractive foliage and ability to thrive in shade. However, pairing them with the right plants can really enhance the beauty of a garden. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best perennial plants that complement hostas and make your garden stand out.

Why Choose Perennial Plants?

Perennial plants are a great option for gardeners because they come back year after year. They require less maintenance compared to annuals and are more cost-effective in the long run. Pairing perennial plants with hostas ensures that your garden has a beautiful display throughout the growing season.

15 Perennial Plants That Complement Hostas

1. Astilbe

Astilbes are shade-loving plants that produce tall, feathery plumes in shades of pink, red, and white. They bloom in early summer and add a pop of color to any garden bed. They also have similar growing requirements as hostas, making them a great companion plant.

2. Bleeding Heart

Bleeding hearts are another shade-loving plant that pairs well with hostas. Their delicate, heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink and white appear in late spring and early summer. They also have a unique foliage shape that complements the texture of hosta leaves.

3. Coral Bells

Coral bells, also known as Heuchera, have small, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in early summer. They have a wide range of foliage colors, from green to burgundy, and add a pop of color to any garden bed.

4. Ferns

Ferns are a classic companion plant for hostas. They have similar growing requirements and add texture and height to a garden bed. There are many varieties of ferns to choose from, including the ostrich fern and maidenhair fern.

5. Foamflower

Foamflowers, or Tiarella, produce delicate, foam-like flowers in shades of white and pink. They bloom in early summer and have attractive foliage that complements the texture of hosta leaves.

6. Japanese Forest Grass

Japanese forest grass, or Hakonechloa, is a low-growing grass that adds texture and movement to a garden bed. Its golden foliage provides a beautiful contrast to the green leaves of hostas.

7. Lamium

Lamium is a groundcover plant that produces small, pink or purple flowers in late spring and early summer. It has attractive foliage that complements the texture of hosta leaves and spreads quickly to fill in gaps in a garden bed.

8. Lungwort

Lungwort, or Pulmonaria, is a shade-loving plant that produces unique, spotted foliage and pink, blue, or purple flowers in early spring. It adds interest and texture to a garden bed and pairs well with hostas.

9. Solomon's Seal

Solomon's seal is a tall, arching plant that produces small, white flowers in late spring and early summer. Its foliage adds texture and depth to a garden bed and complements the leaves of hostas.

10. Sweet Woodruff

Sweet woodruff is a fragrant groundcover plant that produces small, white flowers in late spring and early summer. It has attractive foliage that complements the texture of hosta leaves and spreads quickly to fill in gaps in a garden bed.

11. Toad Lily

Toad lilies, or Tricyrtis, produce unique, orchid-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white in late summer and early fall. They add interest and color to a garden bed and have similar growing requirements as hostas.

12. Variegated Liriope

Variegated liriope is a low-growing plant with variegated foliage that adds interest and texture to a garden bed. Its purple flowers appear in late summer and early fall and complement the leaves of hostas.

13. Virginia Bluebells

Virginia bluebells are a shade-loving plant that produces clusters of pink or blue flowers in early spring. They add color and interest to a garden bed and have similar growing requirements as hostas.

14. Wild Ginger

Wild ginger is a groundcover plant with attractive foliage that complements the texture of hosta leaves. Its small, purple flowers appear in early spring and add interest to a garden bed.

15. Yellow Wax Bells

Yellow wax bells, or Kirengeshoma, produce drooping, bell-shaped flowers in shades of yellow and white in late summer and early fall. They add height and interest to a garden bed and have similar growing requirements as hostas.

Pairing perennial plants with hostas can really enhance the beauty of your garden. By choosing plants with similar growing requirements and complementary textures and colors, you can create a stunning display throughout the growing season.

FAQs:

1. Can hostas grow in full sun?

No, hostas prefer partial to full shade. They can tolerate some morning sun, but too much sun exposure can damage their leaves.

2. Do hostas need fertilizer?

Yes, hostas benefit from regular fertilization to maintain their health and vigor. Use a balanced fertilizer in the spring and again in midsummer.

3. How do I divide my hostas?

Hostas can be divided in early spring or fall. Dig up the entire clump and use a sharp knife or garden fork to separate it into smaller sections. Replant the smaller sections in a new location or share them with friends.

4. Why do my hosta leaves have holes in them?

Holes in hosta leaves are usually caused by slugs or snails. These pests can be controlled with slug bait or by handpicking them off the leaves.

5. How do I overwinter my hostas?

In colder climates, hostas should be cut back in the fall and covered with a layer of mulch to protect them from frost. In milder climates, they can be left to die back naturally and regrow in the spring.