9 Companion Plants for Hostas That Thrive in Shady Spots Give shade-loving hostas a boost. Close Credit: Alexander62 / Getty Images Hostas are beautiful perennial plants that add color and texture to shade gardens. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, from brilliant greens to muted blues to variegated types. While their foliage is the star of the show, hostas produce tall stalks of purple flowers in summer that boost their seasonal charm. Because hostas are shade plants, it can be challenging to find suitable companions for them. To help, we spoke to gardening experts who shared their favorite plants to grow next to hostas for pest protection and added beauty. Linda Langelo, horticulture specialist at Colorado State University and author of Plants Are Speaking. Are You Listening? Kelly Funk, president of Jackson & Perkins, a full-service nursery offering flowers, trees, shrubs, ground covers, bulbs, and more How to Grow Hostas So They Flourish and Thrive, According to Gardening Experts 01 of 09 Coral Bells Credit: Marina Kositsyna / Getty Images Hostas and coral bells (Heuchera spp.) have similar growing conditions, as both prefer moist soil and shaded areas. Their colorful foliage looks nice against the more muted tones of hostas. One downside is that coral bells are short-lived, while hostas can live a long time, says Linda Langelo, horticulture specialist at Colorado State University. "Coral bells develop woody crowns and require division every three to four years, which reduces their productivity," she adds. Zones: 3 to 9Size: 6 to 20 inches tall x 6 to 20 inches wideCare requirements: Full sun to full shade; moist, well-draining soil 5 Places You Should Never Plant Hostas, According to Gardening Experts 02 of 09 Astilbe Credit: Julija Kumpinovica / getty images Like hostas, astilbe (Astilbe spp.) loves shade and moisture, making them great companions. "Their feathery plumes add vertical texture and color at the same time hostas begin to hit their stride," says Kelly Funk, president of Jackson & Perkins. She adds that astilbe's roots help stabilize the soil, especially in sloped areas. Grow 'False Goat's Beard' for a native option of this plant. Zones: 5 to 8Size: 3 to 6 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wideCare requirements: Partial sun to full shade; moist, well-draining soil Should You Cut Back Hostas in the Fall? When It's Beneficial—and When It's Not 03 of 09 Basil Credit: CasarsaGuru / GETTY IMAGES Hostas are prone to aphids because their leaves hold a lot of moisture and provide a shaded place for these pests to live. According to Langelo, basil (Ocimum basilicum) will help keep insects away from hostas due to its strong smell. She notes that you should plant basil in front of hostas where the herb will get more direct sun. Zones: 2 to 11Size: 18 to 24 inches tall x 18 to 24 inches wideCare requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil 04 of 09 Ornamental Onion Credit: kongxinzhu / GETTY IMAGES One of Martha's favorite flowers, ornamental onion (Allium spp.), needs moist, well-draining soil like hostas. "Allium giganteum grows from 2 to 5 feet tall and adds color to the hosta display when placed in the back or the middle of the hosta," Langelo says. This plant prefers full sun, but can thrive in partial shade. Zones: 5 to 8Size: 1 to 5 feet tall x 5 to 6 inches wideCare requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil 05 of 09 Foamflower Credit: Tom Meaker / GETTY IMAGES Foamflower (Tiarella) is a perfect complement to hostas, preferring woodland conditions, such as moist soil and dappled shade. "Tiarella spreads gently, making it a great ground cover without smothering hostas," says Funk, adding that this plant acts as a living mulch to keep weeds at bay. Zones: 4 to 9Size: 5 to 12 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wideCare requirements: Partial to full shade; average to rich, moist soil 06 of 09 Wild Bleeding Heart Credit: Insung Jeon / GETTY IMAGES Bleeding heart (Dicentra) is an early bloomer that adds height and romance to shady beds, according to Funk. "By the time it fades back, hostas are ready to take center stage," she notes. An added bonus? Bleeding heart can deter slugs and deer from bothering hosta plants, Langelo says. Zones: 4 to 8Size: 10 to 16 inches tallCare requirements: Partial to full sun; moist, humus soil 07 of 09 Flowering Dogwood Credit: Brenda Smith/Getty Images Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is an understory tree, meaning it grows under a canopy of larger trees, providing shade for hostas. "It requires moist, well-drained, acidic soil. Hostas require similar conditions," says Langelo. "Besides the similar type of environment, hostas grown under the flowering dogwood can have protection from the wind and the ideal shade they need." Zones: 5 to 9Size: 15 to 30 feet tall x 15 to 30 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-draining soil 08 of 09 Lungwort Credit: Jessica Kopecky Design / Getty Images Lungwort (Pulmonaria) and hostas have similar growing needs, both tolerating the same shade-dappled spots, says Funk. Lungwort stays low and doesn't hog the garden, letting hostas take center stage. Even better? The hairy leaves of lungwort repel slugs, which are a major pest for hostas. Zones: 4 to 9Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wideCare requirements: Partial to full shade; average garden soil 09 of 09 Caladium Credit: MAsummerbreak / GETTY IMAGES Caladium (Caladium spp.) is a great companion for hostas because it requires a shady spot with moist soil to thrive. "Both hostas and caladiums will do well in morning sun or bright indirect light," says Langelo, adding that caladiums bring a subtle color to enhance the foliage of the hostas. Zones: 8 to 10Size: 12 to 30 inches tall x 12 to 30 inches wideCare requirements: Full to partial shade; well-draining soil Explore more: Garden