Best Fern & Hosta Companions: What to Plant Together

When it comes to creating lush, verdant gardens, ferns and hostas are two of the most beloved and versatile plants. Both are known for their stunning foliage and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, making them excellent choices for shady gardens or as accent plants in mixed borders. But what should you plant with ferns and hostas to create a harmonious and visually appealing garden? Let's explore some complementary plants that will help you create a beautiful, balanced landscape.

First, let's consider the unique characteristics of ferns and hostas. Ferns are known for their delicate, lacy fronds that can add a soft, ethereal touch to any garden. Hostas, on the other hand, come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, with leaves that can be smooth, textured, or even fragrant. Both plants prefer partial shade and well-drained, consistently moist soil. With these preferences in mind, let's look at some ideal companion plants.

Shade-Loving Perennials

Since ferns and hostas thrive in partial shade, it's no surprise that many shade-loving perennials make excellent companions. These plants can help to fill out your garden beds, providing a mix of textures, colors, and heights.

One standout option is the lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis). This charming plant produces clusters of flowers in shades of blue, pink, and white, which contrast beautifully with the broad leaves of hostas and the delicate fronds of ferns. Lungwort is also an early bloomer, providing much-needed color in the spring garden.

Astilbe

Astilbe, also known as false spirea, is another excellent choice for shade gardens. Its feathery plumes of flowers add a light, airy touch that complements the texture of ferns. Astilbe comes in a range of colors, from white and pink to deep purple, making it easy to find a variety that suits your garden's color scheme.

To create a striking contrast, pair astilbe with hostas that have bold, contrasting foliage. For example, the gold-veined 'August Moon' hosta would look stunning next to the deep purple plumes of Astilbe 'Purple Flash'.

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are versatile shrubs that can thrive in both sun and shade, making them an excellent choice for mixed borders. Their large, showy blooms provide a striking contrast to the more subtle beauty of ferns and hostas.

For a cohesive look, consider planting hydrangeas with hostas that have similar leaf shapes. For instance, the heart-shaped leaves of 'Patriot' hydrangea would pair well with the heart-shaped foliage of 'Guacamole' hosta.

Grasses and Foliage Plants

Grasses and other foliage plants can add structure, texture, and movement to your garden, making them excellent companions for ferns and hostas.

Ornamental grasses like Karl Foerster feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster') can add height and texture to your garden beds. Their upright growth habit and narrow leaves contrast nicely with the broad leaves of hostas and the delicate fronds of ferns.

Brunnera

Brunnera, also known as forget-me-nots, are charming little plants with heart-shaped leaves that resemble those of hostas. Their delicate, sky-blue flowers add a soft, ethereal touch to the garden, complementing the texture of ferns.

For a striking contrast, pair brunnera with hostas that have bold, contrasting foliage. The silver-veined leaves of 'Silver Satin' hosta would look stunning next to the deep green leaves of Brunnera 'Jack Frost'.

Heuchera

Heuchera, or coral bells, are versatile foliage plants that come in a wide range of colors and textures. Their small size and clumping habit make them excellent companions for ferns and hostas.

To create a cohesive look, consider planting heuchera with hostas that have similar leaf colors. For instance, the coppery-bronze leaves of Heuchera 'Palace Purple' would pair well with the coppery-gold leaves of 'Guacamole' hosta.

In the end, the key to creating a harmonious garden is to choose plants that share similar growing conditions and complement each other in terms of texture, color, and height. By pairing ferns and hostas with the right companions, you can create a lush, inviting landscape that will bring joy to your garden for years to come.