If there’s one thing every gardener can agree on, it’s that hostas are a go-to favorite. Easy to grow, durable, and undeniably beautiful, they’re the foundation of many serene garden settings.
Yes, hostas may be a garden classic, but who says you can’t breathe new life into your garden with a little creativity? While there’s no denying that hostas shine on their own, when paired with this one flowering plant, your garden becomes something truly special.
It’s a combination of tried-and-true beauty with a fresh twist that’s bound to turn heads this spring! Did you know that:
Lungworts Are Hostas’ Best Friends!
Just when the last traces of winter are fading, lungworts bloom with vivid clusters of blue, pink, or purple flowers. How romantic, right?
These early risers pair beautifully with hostas, whose lush green leaves provide the perfect backdrop.
With their unique spotted or silvery leaves, lungworts bring texture and contrast, making your spring garden truly pop. They thrive in USDA zones 3 to 8 and enjoy shaded spots, which means they won’t have trouble growing next to hostas.
Additionally, won’t exceed 18 inches, which means they’ll fit perfectly into shaded corners where hostas love to grow. Best of all, deer and rabbits aren’t fans of these beautiful perennials, so they’ll remain safe from pests.
Here’s How To Plant Lungworts
One of the best things about lungworts is how little attention they need once planted. Of course, you’ll start by selecting the ideal spot, which is of course, near your hostas.
Choose a semi-shady location to avoid extremes. Too much shade or sun can stunt the plant’s growth, so balance is key.
Late summer and early fall are the best times to plant these beauties, giving them enough time to adapt to their new environment and prepare for the upcoming season.
However, I planted mine in the spring last year because they were available at the nursery and ready to bloom.
Free-draining, slightly acidic soil is your golden ticket to lush, thriving lungworts. There are various ways to improve drainage and increase acidity, but for me, peat moss and pine needles as mulch work best!
You can also mix in organic matter, so you won’t need to fertilize your lungworts throughout the season. How remarkable is that!
Give Them Some TLC
Once your lungworts are fully established, they don’t require much water. Here in Florida, summers can be quite dry, so I water my lungworts regularly, especially during the blooming season.
As soon as the blooms begin to fade, you can gently trim the stems to maintain a tidy appearance. The leaves typically go dormant in late fall, so you can clean them up when the first frost hits.
The great thing is that if you’re short on time, you can leave the foliage to decompose naturally, which will help boost soil health! It’s a win-win situation!
Expand Your Lungwort Collection For Free!
Here’s the thing, lungworts need dividing regularly and while that might sound like extra work, it’s actually an opportunity to expand your garden for free!
I always do it in late summer or fall and the plants bounce back quickly.
Simply dig up the plant, gently separate the rhizomes into smaller sections, and replant them in a partially shaded spot. Before you know it, you’ll have more lungworts to enjoy throughout your garden!
So, are you looking for the perfect partner for your hostas? This vibrant flowering plant is just what your garden needs!