Astilbe
Botanical Name: Astilbe spp.; Partial shade; moist, well-drained soil; slightly acidic pH; adds texture and color to hosta displays with feathery plumes in white, pink, or red.
Heuchera
Botanical Name: Heuchera sanguinea; Partial shade; rich, moist, well-drained soil; neutral to slightly acidic pH; complements hostas with mounding habit and colorful foliage ranging from deep purples to bright greens.
Fern
Botanical Name: Polypodiopsida or Polypodiophyta; Partial shade; rich, moist soil; neutral to slightly alkaline pH; provides a full, textural backdrop and retains soil moisture, enhancing the woodland aesthetic.
Carex
Botanical Name: Cyperaceae; Partial shade; rich, well-drained soil; neutral to slightly acidic pH; brightens shady spaces with grassy foliage, especially EverColor® ‘Everest’ variety, which complements variegated hostas.
Mahonia
Botanical Name: Mahonia spp. or Berberis spp.; Partial shade; moist, well-drained soil; neutral, acidic, or alkaline pH; pairs well with hostas for a lush display, particularly ‘Soft Caress’ variety with feathery, bamboo-like foliage.
Hydrangea
Botanical Name: Hydrangea spp.; Full to partial shade; loamy, clay, moist but well-drained soil; neutral, acidic, or alkaline pH; thrives with hostas, with the compact Heart Throb variety bringing vibrant scarlet blooms to shady spaces.
Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
Botanical Name: Pulmonaria sp.; Partial shade; moist, rich, well-drained soil; neutral to slightly alkaline pH; deer-resistant, protects hostas and adds beauty with its pink and purple flowers.
Spring-Blooming Bulbs
Examples include Daffodil, Siberian Squill, and Snowdrop; provide early-season color before hostas fully emerge and go dormant as hosta leaves reach full size.
Variegated Liriope Or Mountain Laurel
Botanical Names: Liriope muscari ‘variegata’ or Kalmia latifolia L.; Partial shade to full sun (Liriope), dappled light (mountain laurel); sandy, well-drained soil (Liriope); moist, well-drained soil.