What to Plant with Hostas in Containers & Pots

Hostas, those lush, shade-loving perennials, are a gardener's delight. With their striking foliage and easy-going nature, they're perfect for container gardening. But what to plant with hostas in containers? The key is to choose plants that complement their foliage, share similar growing conditions, and add variety to your container garden.

Hostas thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil, making them excellent companions for other shade-loving plants. They also come in a variety of sizes, from tiny miniatures to large, showy specimens, allowing you to create containers with plants of different heights and textures.

Complementary Foliage Plants

One of the best ways to enhance your hosta container is by adding plants with complementary foliage colors and textures. This creates a harmonious blend that's pleasing to the eye.

For instance, hostas with blue or green foliage pair beautifully with plants like ferns, which have delicate, lacy fronds. The contrast between the hosta's broad leaves and the fern's fine texture adds depth and interest to the container.

Ferns

Ferns are low-growing, shade-loving plants that come in a variety of textures and sizes. They're perfect for tucking into containers with hostas, adding a soft, airy contrast to the hosta's bold foliage.

Some ferns to consider include the delicate Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'), the lacy Polystichum ferns, and the hardy Holly Fern (Cyrtomium fortunei).

Heucheras

Heucheras, also known as coral bells, are versatile plants with attractive foliage that comes in a range of colors, from silver to purple to deep burgundy. Their small size makes them ideal for containers, and their low growth habit allows them to fit well with hostas.

Pair hostas with Heuchera 'Frosted Violet' for a striking contrast of green and purple, or try Heuchera 'Sweet Tea' for a soft, silver-green backdrop to your hosta's bold foliage.

Flowering Plants for Color and Height

While hostas are known for their foliage, adding flowering plants to your container garden can provide a vibrant pop of color and vertical interest.

Choose plants that share similar growing conditions with hostas and that will complement their foliage. Remember, taller plants should be placed at the back or center of the container, while shorter plants can be tucked in around them.

Astilbes

Astilbes, or false spirea, are shade-loving perennials that produce feathery plumes of flowers in summer. They come in a range of heights and colors, making them excellent companions for hostas.

Try Astilbe 'Fanal' for vibrant red plumes that contrast beautifully with hosta foliage, or Astilbe 'Montgomery' for delicate, white plumes that add a soft, airy touch.

Impatiens

Impatiens are shade-loving annuals that come in a wide range of colors. They're perfect for adding a splash of color to your hosta container and for filling in gaps between larger plants.

Choose impatiens in colors that complement your hosta's foliage. For instance, blue or purple hostas pair well with impatiens in shades of pink, white, or purple.

When planting your container, start with the tallest plants in the center or back, then add shorter plants around them. Fill in any gaps with trailing plants or annuals. Water regularly, ensuring the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Remember, the key to successful container gardening is to choose plants that share similar growing conditions and that complement each other in size, color, and texture. With a little planning and the right plant combinations, your hosta containers will be the envy of your neighborhood.