Fill Not-So-Sunny Spots with This Hosta-Filled Shade Garden Plan

More than just plain green filler among flashier plants, hostas can rule any shady border all on their own. These robust perennials provide bold texture, as well as a variety of leaf colors, patterns, and shapes. Some types even have very fragrant flowers. Relatively easy-care plants, hostas come back year after year, surviving bitter winters and making no special demands on gardeners' time. In this shady hosta garden design plan, five different kinds of hostas surround an antique millstone recruited into service as a fountain. Variegated vinca edges the bed, perfectly complementing the hostas and resulting in a simple, lush, and tidy looking design.

Plant List for Creating the Hosta-Filled Shade Garden Plan

• 50 Greater periwinkle (Vinca major): Zones 7-11
• 3 Hosta 'Night Before Christmas': Zones 3-8
• 4 Hosta 'Halcyon': Zones 3-8
• 3 Hosta 'Tokudama Aureonebulosa': Zones 3-8
• 1 Hosta 'Paul's Glory': Zones 3-8
• 3 Hosta 'Undulata': Zones 3-8

If you aren't able to find the exact cultivars listed above, substitute with others that have similar colors, shapes, and sizes. And because some plants can become overly aggressive and spread out of control in certain climates, always check which species are considered invasive in your area before planting.

Get the Free Shady Hosta Garden Design Plan

The garden plan for this design includes an illustrated version of the planted garden, a detailed layout diagram, a list of plants for the garden as shown, and complete instructions for installing the garden. Free, one-time registration allows unlimited access to all garden plans, available as printable PDFs.

More Garden Plans to Try

• Drought-Tolerant Garden Plan
• Heat-Loving Garden Plan
• Tough-as-Nails Perennial Garden Plan
• Beginner Garden for Full Sun
• No-Fuss Sun-Loving Garden Plan