Hosta vs Coral bells
Both are shade plants grown for their leaves and sold in dozens of leaf colours. Hostas have the bigger, bolder leaves, want soil that stays moist, and are a favourite of deer and slugs. Coral bells are smaller and lower, take drier soil, and hold their leaves through much of the winter. In a shade bed they are best together: a bold leaf beside a ruffled, darker one.
| Hosta Hosta | Coral bells Heuchera | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 18 in tall, 2½ ft wide | 12 in tall, 16 in wide |
| Plant | 24 in apart | 16 in apart |
| Zones | 3 to 9 | 4 to 9 |
| Light | Part shade to shade | Part sun to part shade |
| Soil | Evenly moist, rich fertility | Well-drained, rich fertility |
| Flowers | Mid July to mid August; lavender, white | Late May to mid July; pink, red, white |
| Leaves | Bold, herbaceous | Medium, semi-evergreen |
| Job in a bed | Drift | Edging |
| Pets | Toxic (mild) | No toxicity recorded |
| Deer | No record | No record |
| Native | No | No |
| Spread | Low risk | Low risk |
Rows where they differ are marked. Flowering times are for zone 5.
Which to choose
- Choose hosta for more shade, colder gardens (to zone 3), moist soil and more height (18 in against 12 in).
- Choose coral bells for a garden with pets and a smaller space (12 in against 18 in).
Can they grow together?
Yes: they are recorded as partners. Beside hosta, coral bells is medium leaves against its bold ones; a low mound at the foot of its spires. They share part shade and zones 4 to 9.
Read more: all about hosta, and all about coral bells, each with a bed the planner designed around it.