We all know that Hostas are the bread and butter of the shade garden. But what do you plant with them to create an eye-catching, full garden? Look no further; we’ve got six recommendations for you!

Ferns

A classic pairing for Hostas, Ferns come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to provide texture and interest in your garden. They also like similar growing conditions as Hostas, making them a low-maintenance addition to your garden. Try pairs like Royal Fern and Blue hosta or Japanese Painted Fern with Patriot hosta.

Tuberous Begonias

Another plant that loves the shade, tuberous begonias will add a splash of color to your garden. Their large flowers come in a variety of colors, including pink, orange, red, white, and yellow. Plant them near the front of your garden so you can enjoy their beauty up close! Try putting them with Blue Mouse Ears hosta or Rose Begonia with Halcyon hosta.

Hydrangeas

These shrubs are perfect for adding height and dimension to your garden. They have large leaves and flowers that come in shades of blue, pink, and purple. Hydrangeas also like similar growing conditions as Hostas, making them easy to care for. Try planting Oakleaf hydrangea with Guacamole hosta or Blue hydrangea with Great Expectations hosta.

Dogwood

Dogwoods are a great way to add some fall color to your garden. They have dark green leaves that turn red and purple in the fall. Their flowers range in color from white to pink to red, and they produce small berries that birds love. Plant dogwoods near the back of your garden so their berries will be easier to see. Try planting Redtwig dogwood with So Sweet hosta or White dogwood with Francee hosta.

Clematis

This vine is perfect for adding some color and charm to your garden. Clematis come in a wide variety of colors, including blue, purple, pink, red, and white. They also have large flowers that bloom from early summer to late fall. Plant them near a trellis or fence, so they have something to climb on. Try planting Bluebell clematis with Mauritius hosta or Crimson King clematis with Liberty hosta.

Bleeding Heart

Bleeding Heart is a classic choice for planting with hostas. The delicate, heart-shaped flowers dangling from the stems add a touch of romance to any garden. Bleeding heart prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. It’s a good idea to mulch around the plants to help keep the roots cool and moist.

Pansies

Pansies are another beautiful option for planting with hostas. These little flowers come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, so it’s easy to find one (or more!) that will coordinate with your hostas. Pansies prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Be sure to deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming.

Alyssum

Alyssum is a heat-tolerant annual that adds delicate color and fragrance to any garden. Its small, white, or lavender flowers are heavily scented, making it a favorite of bees and butterflies. Alyssum prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It’s drought tolerant once established but will appreciate occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.

English Yew

English Yew is an evergreen conifer that provides year-round interest in the garden. Its dark green needles are the perfect backdrop for the bright flowers of spring and summer. English yew prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It’s relatively drought tolerant but will look its best with regular watering during dry periods.

Vinca Vine

Vinca vines are fast-growing, evergreen climbers that can reach up to 10 feet in length. They have dark green leaves and small, blue flowers that bloom in late spring. Vinca vines are perfect for planting with hostas because they will quickly cover any bare spots in your garden and add some summer color.

Coral Bells

Coral bells are low-growing perennials that produce clusters of bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, or white. They have dark green leaves that make a nice contrast to the brightly-colored flowers. Coral bells are a good choice for planting with hostas because they add color and interest to the garden without overwhelming the hostas.

Creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny is a fast-growing ground cover that produces bright yellow flowers in early summer. It has dark green leaves that will spread quickly to fill in any empty space in your garden. Creeping Jenny is a good choice for planting with hostas because it will help keep the weeds at bay and add some summer color to your garden.

Sweet Woodruff

Sweet woodruff is a low-growing perennial that produces small white flowers in early summer. It has dark green leaves that smell faintly of vanilla or strawberries. Sweet woodruff is a good choice for planting with hostas because it will add some summer color to your garden and its vanilla scent is sure to be a big hit.

Conclusion:

Hostas are the perfect perennial for adding interest and texture to any shady spot in your garden. But what should you plant with them to really make them shine? Our favorites include bleeding heart, pansies, alyssum, and English yew. All of these plants prefer similar growing conditions as hostas, so they’re easy to care for. And they’ll provide complementary color and interest throughout the growing season. So why not give them a try in your own garden?