Companion Plants for Hostas

Companion plants for hostas typically grow from 6 to 24 inches tall and help in different ways. Some provide shade with their leaves, while others attract beneficial insects or repel pests, making the area better for hostas. They thrive in similar shady settings, and with the right care and planting, you can create a great environment for hostas in just one growing season. We’ve compiled a list of 7 of the best companion plants to grow with hostas in your garden that will help them thrive and stay healthy. These include common choices like ferns and astilbe, as well as floral options like bleeding hearts and coral bells.

1. Astilbe

Astilbe are perfect for gardens with partial sun or shade, as they thrive in moist, well-drained soil. Their fluffy plumes gradually fill in garden beds as they grow slowly to a moderate pace. It is best to plant in spring or fall so that the roots have time to establish themselves before harsh summer or winter weather sets in. Seasonal interest is added by several popular species, such as "Fannel" with deep red flowers and "Bridal Veil" with white flowers.

2. Ferns

Ferns, usually planted in spring or fall, thrive because of comfortable temperatures and enough rainfall to develop roots. These plants need rich, well-drained soil with lots of organic matter to thrive. Notably, ferns grow at different rates. Some species mature in a few seasons, while others take longer to reach their maximum size. Popular variations include the very small button fern, valued for its small, rounded leaves, and the lush, arching leaves of the Boston fern.

3. Heucheras

Coral bells, or heucheras, are distinguished by their beautiful colors that vary from deep red to green throughout the year. It is recommended to plant these perennials in spring or fall to give the roots time to establish themselves. These plants prefer a mix of organic matter for best growth and do best in well-drained soil. 'Palace Purple' is a popular variety that stands out for its consistent performance and deep purple leaves.

4. Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding hearts prefer a partially shaded location and grow best in well-drained, organically rich soil. Planting them in early spring allows them to take root quickly and bloom from late spring to early summer. Because they are relatively fast-growing, they will grow to a full height of two to three feet in a single growing season. Mid-summer is when the plant's leaves usually die back, giving gardeners a chance to fill in the space with companion flowers.

5. Prunellas

Prunellas prefer medium to full shade and grow best in soil that drains well and retains moisture. When the weather is cool, early spring or fall are the best times to grow prunella. Well-known cultivars like ‘Jack Frost’ have silvery leaves with green veins, and ‘Looking Glass’ has a more striking silvery sheen, both with unique leaf features.

6. Japanese Forest Grass

Well-known for its elegant arching habit, Japanese forest grass grows best in rich, well-drained soil and tolerates partial to full shade. It is planted in the spring when the soil begins to warm up to help this beautiful grass thrive before the heat of summer. Many growers have unique characteristics. For example, Hakonechlova macra ‘Aureola’ has chartreuse leaves with thin green stripes that turn golden in fall, adding some seasonal interest to gardens.

7. Tiarella

Foamflower, or tiarella, thrives in well-drained, humus-rich soil, and does best in partial to full shade. It is best to plant in early spring or fall to ensure it gets established before very cold temperatures. Gardeners are often drawn to varieties like 'Sugar and Spice' for their unique leaf shapes and delicate flower spikes. These plants generally show strong resilience to disease, which reduces the amount of ongoing maintenance required.