|
 Annuals are great for
filling in those spaces while perennials take their time
in filling out over the years. In the
hosta garden,
naturally, annuals would have to be those that are
adapted to the same growing environment. Of course the
main limiting factor in most sites would be low light
conditions.
In most locations, the
impatiens is the number one annual (actually a tender
perennial) companion for hostas. They provide several
benefits that make them a great complement in the shade
garden. Impatiens, of course, are shade tolerant and
will thrive in a light to medium shade environment. In
the heavy shade, they will survive and do their thing
slowly.
The key factor provided
by impatiens is color and specifically, warm or hot
colors such as red, pink and orange. One challenge in
most shade gardens is availability of these types of
colors. There are plenty of violets, purples and
magentas but hot reds are much harder to come by in the
shade.
Don't forget that, given
a moisture retentive soil and some irrigation, many
hostas will do just fine with a sunny location. So, this
will greatly expand the list of annuals that will thrive
along side the hostas. |
