What to plant with hostas for winter interest?

[maamalady]

I have an area of my garden with several thriving hostas. They're under a smallish cherry tree and doing nicely, but as I love hostas beyond all reason in planning on slowly expanding Hosta Corner. The problem is that if I do there won't be much to look at when they're dormant over winter. Any suggestions? The border is clay, overhung by trees, and ranges from partial to complete shade.

Epimediums?

Hellebores?

Snowdrops?

I know they only do early spring, not the whole of winter, but they will give you a show before the hostas grow.

Another vote for hellebores! They'll flower right through the winter until your hostas are fully up and don't really need any looking after. You won't need many.

Oh, hellebores are a great idea, I've thought of them before - and clearly forgotten all about them! Thanks for all suggestions

And hellebores self-seed everywhere so you’ll soon fill up the space.