Plants That Will Make Your Hostas

Plants That Will Make Your Hostas Pop

Hostas are some of the most popular perennials in the world, and for good reason. They are easy to care for, tolerant of shade, and come in a wide variety of colors and leaf shapes. But if you want your hostas to really stand out, you need to plant them with the right companion plants.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best plants to pair with hostas. We will cover a variety of different types of plants, so you can find the perfect ones for your garden. We will also discuss how to choose the right companion plants for your specific hostas.

So, what are you waiting for? Let's get started!

Introduction

Hostas are shade-loving plants that are native to East Asia. They are known for their large, colorful leaves, which can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Hostas are relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions. They are also deer-resistant, making them a good choice for gardens where deer are a problem.

If you are looking to add some color and interest to your shady garden, hostas are a great option. But to really make your hostas stand out, you need to plant them with the right companion plants.

The Right Companion Plants

When choosing companion plants for hostas, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you want to choose plants that will thrive in the same conditions as hostas. This means that they should both be shade-loving and tolerant of moist soil.

Second, you want to choose plants that will complement the colors and shapes of your hostas. For example, if you have hostas with dark green leaves, you might want to plant them with companion plants that have lighter-colored leaves. Or, if you have hostas with variegated leaves, you might want to plant them with companion plants that have solid-colored leaves.

Finally, you want to choose plants that will add interest to your garden throughout the year. Some good choices for companion plants include ferns, astilbes, bleeding hearts, and daylilies. These plants will bloom at different times of the year, so your garden will always be full of color.

Here are some specific companion plants that we recommend:

• Ferns: Ferns are a classic companion plant for hostas. They add a delicate, airy texture to the garden and can help to shade the hostas' roots. Some good choices for ferns include Japanese painted fern, ostrich fern, and lady fern.
• Astilbes: Astilbes are another excellent choice for companion plants for hostas. They add tall, graceful blooms to the garden in late spring and early summer. Some good choices for astilbes include white feather astilbe, pink cloud astilbe, and purple emperor astilbe.
• Bleeding hearts: Bleeding hearts are a beautiful and delicate flower that blooms in spring. They add a touch of romance to the garden and make a great contrast to the large, bold leaves of hostas. Some good choices for bleeding hearts include royal purple bleeding heart, white bleeding heart, and fernleaf bleeding heart.
• Daylilies: Daylilies are a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. They add bright, cheerful blooms to the garden in summer and fall. Some good choices for daylilies include Stella d'Oro daylily, Happy Returns daylily, and Firecracker daylily.

Conclusion

By choosing the right companion plants for your hostas, you can create a beautiful and interesting garden that will be the envy of your neighbors. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your perfect hosta garden today!

Hostas are a classic shade-loving perennial that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. But did you know that there are a number of other plants that can complement hostas perfectly?

Some popular companion plants for hostas include:

• Ferns: Ferns add a delicate, airy touch to a hosta bed. They also share similar shade and moisture requirements. [link to website address]
• Coral bells: Coral bells have brightly colored foliage that can add a splash of color to a hosta bed. They also tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. [link to website address]
• Hakonechloa: Hakonechloa is a graceful grass that adds movement and texture to a hosta bed. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade. [link to website address]
• Lungwort: Lungwort has attractive blue or purple flowers that bloom in the spring. It also has interesting foliage that can add contrast to hostas. [link to website address]

If you're looking for more ideas for companion plants for hostas, be sure to visit Gardenia Inspiration. They have a comprehensive list of plants that can complement hostas, as well as tips on how to plant and care for them.

FAQ of plants that compliment hostas

Q: What are some good companion plants for hostas?

A: Hostas are versatile plants that can be paired with a variety of other plants. Some good companion plants for hostas include:

• Spring-flowering plants, such as allium, bergenia, cranesbill (Geranium), daffodil, hyacinth, muscari, spurge (Euphorbia), Solomon's seal, trillium, and tulips.
• Summer-blooming plants, such as astilbe, begonia, impatiens, lady's mantle, and wishbone flower (Torenia).
• Ferns, such as maidenhair fern, ostrich fern, and Japanese painted fern.
• Grasses, such as blue oat grass, Japanese forest grass, and maiden grass.
• Shade-tolerant shrubs, such as oakleaf hydrangea, rhododendron, and azalea.

When choosing companion plants for hostas, it is important to consider the size, color, and bloom time of the plants. For example, if you have a large hosta, you may want to pair it with a smaller, more delicate plant. If you have a hosta with bright green leaves, you may want to pair it with a plant with darker or more colorful leaves. And if you want your hostas to bloom for a long period of time, you may want to pair them with plants that bloom at different times of the year.

Q: What are some of the benefits of planting companion plants with hostas?

A: There are many benefits to planting companion plants with hostas. Some of the benefits include:

• Companion plants can help to deter pests and diseases. For example, marigolds are known to repel nematodes, which can damage hostas.
• Companion plants can help to improve the soil quality. For example, clover is a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means that it can help to add nitrogen to the soil.
• Companion plants can help to provide structure and interest to the garden. For example, tall grasses can help to add height to a border, while shorter plants can help to fill in the spaces between hostas.
• Companion plants can help to extend the bloom time of hostas. For example, if you plant hostas with spring-flowering bulbs, you will have flowers in your garden for a longer period of time.

Q: How far apart should I plant hostas and their companion plants?

A: The distance that you plant hostas and their companion plants apart will depend on the size of the plants. As a general rule, you should plant hostas about 2-3 feet apart. Smaller companion plants, such as ferns and grasses, can be planted closer together, while larger companion plants, such as shrubs, should be planted further apart.

Q: How do I care for hostas and their companion plants?

A: Hostas and their companion plants are relatively easy to care for. They need full to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. You should water them regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. You may also need to fertilize them once a year in the spring.

Q: What are some common problems that hostas and their companion plants can face?

A: Hostas and their companion plants can face a few common problems, including:

• Pests, such as slugs, snails, and aphids.
• Diseases, such as powdery mildew and leaf spot.
• Winter damage.

If you notice any problems with your hostas or their companion plants, you can usually treat them with a simple solution. For example, you can control pests with insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can treat diseases with fungicides. And you can protect your hostas from winter damage by covering them with a layer of mulch.

Image of plants that compliment hostas

5 different images of plants that compliment hostas:

1. Astilbe is a shade-loving perennial that blooms in summer with delicate, feathery flowers. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, purple, and red. Astilbe can help to add height and interest to a hosta bed.
2. Begonia is another shade-loving perennial that comes in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, and orange. Begonias can be mounding or trailing, and they add a touch of brightness to a hosta bed.
3. Impatiens is a summer-blooming annual that comes in a variety of colors, including red, orange, pink, white, and purple. Impatiens are easy to care for and add a splash of color to a hosta bed.
4. Lady's mantle is a shade-loving perennial that blooms in summer with clusters of small, white flowers. Lady's mantle has ferny foliage that adds texture to a hosta bed.
5. Torenia is a summer-blooming annual that comes in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, pink, and white. Torenia is easy to care for and adds a touch of sweetness to a hosta bed.