Not Hostas, Not Ferns — What To Plant With Wishbone For Beautiful Shaded Flower Beds

Hostas and ferns are widely used to fill space and add interest to shaded flower beds, but that doesn't mean they are the only options. In fact, they may not even be the best option depending on what you have growing. Understanding what companion planting is and how it benefits your garden can help you decide how to pair plants together for stunning, healthy flower beds that don't compete for nutrients or invite harmful pests. When it comes to shaded flower beds, there are plenty of stunning options to choose from, and wishbone flower (Torenia fournieri) is a great place to start. But instead of planting them with hostas and ferns, you can fill your space with a selection of shade-loving annuals that work as thrillers, fillers, or spillers to finish off your shaded flower bed in any style you like. 

Thrillers are plants that add height and color to your garden bed. Plants like Coleus or Begonias make great companions for wishbone flower with just the right height and spread to create a thriller atmosphere in the space. Fillers like SunPatiens, on the other hand, create a uniform, structured look to fill in the space between plants. Fillers can be used strategically to create patterns or to create dense cover. For a more stylized flower bed, you can add spillers along the border or even in a pot with your wishbone flower to cascade in a beautiful display. Trailing lobelia and Dichondra are great spiller options that pair well with wishbone flower. 

Thrillers are a great choice for shaded flower beds, transforming your landscape from barren to beautiful. Begonias and Coleus (​​Coleus scutellarioides) are great options to pair with wishbone flowers.

Begonias are perennial in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11, and an annual in cooler climates. Growing and caring for begonias under large trees is quite easy. They thrive in shady flower beds and can reach up to 2 feet tall. In the summer and fall, begonias bloom in a range of colors, including red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. Plant them 1 to 3 feet away from other plants.

Coleus can be used as a thriller or spiller plant, depending on the variety. Most varieties feature stunning foliage that makes an impact, no matter how you plant it. Coleus plants are annuals that can thrive in almost any light conditions. Because they grow up to 3 feet tall, they can provide shade for wishbone flowers, helping prevent scorching. Plant Coleus plants 1 to 3 feet away from wishbone flower plants to ensure the plants have enough airflow. 

SunPatiens (Impatiens x hybrida SunPatiens® Group) is a type of impatiens hybrid that grows as a perennial in zones 10 to 12 and as an annual in other climates. Their neat, compact growth makes SunPatiens ideal for filler rows. Plus, SunPatiens are just what every pollinator garden needs to attract hummingbirds. They can do well in partial shade with well-drained soil, making them ideal companions for wishbone flowers.

Spillers are designed to add interest near the border of a garden or at the edge of a container. Whether you're looking to create a flowery blanket with a ground cover or an enchanting waterfall over a pot or border edge with vines, choosing the right companion can make the effect look effortless. Trailing lobelia (Lobelia erinus) is an annual vining flower that pairs well with wishbone flower. They aren't very long, so they work well when you want the trailing effect without overwhelming growth. Trailing lobelia prefers sunnier conditions, so it is best used on the side of the flower bed with the most sun. Dichondra, on the other hand, trails freely for several feet, with tiny pale green foliage that creates texture in a flower bed. It thrives in partial shade, so it is best used on the edges where the flower bed gets the most sun.