Product Description
Hosta 'Fire and Ice' (Hansen/Shady Oaks Nursery, 1999)
Small - Medium.
Pure white centers and very dark green margins.
Upright with twisted, moderately folded, broadly ovate leaves.
Lavender flowers on white flower stems.
Parentage: sport of Patriot.
The reverse of its parent, FIRE and ICE is definitely flashy
and has very heavy substance.
Height:20 to 22 Inches
Spread: 30 inches
Scape Height: 30 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Purple shades
Foliage Color: Variegated
Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) to Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer to Late Summer
Attracts Hummingbirds
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Mass Planting, Cut Foliage, Easy To Grow, Edging, Attractive Foliage, Specimen, Focal Point
Hosta 'Fire and Ice' is a captivating variety of hosta prized for its dramatic variegated foliage. This cultivar is a reverse sport of the celebrated 'Patriot' hosta, meaning it displays the opposite coloration. 'Patriot' has green leaves with white margins, while 'Fire and Ice' features striking leaves with a white center and dark green margins. This unique characteristic makes it a highly sought-after plant for shade gardens and a favorite among hosta enthusiasts.
Hosta 'Fire and Ice' displays several noteworthy characteristics:
- Leaf Color: The leaves boast a white center with dark green margins. The white center may develop a light yellow hue in warmer climates as the spring turns to summer and fall.
- Leaf Shape: The leaves are heart-shaped with a heavy substance and a slight twist.
- Mature Size: The mature size of the plant can vary based on growing conditions. It typically reaches a height of 1 to 1.5 feet with a spread of 1 to 2 feet. However, in less than ideal conditions, it may only achieve half that size.
- Flower Color: In mid-summer, it produces lavender flowers.
- Flower Scapes: The scapes, or flower stalks, are white, which is unusual for hostas and adds to the plant's ornamental value. The seed pods are also white.
- Growth Rate: Due to its high percentage of non-chlorophyll bearing leaf tissue, 'Fire and Ice' is a slow-growing variety.
- Award: Hosta 'Fire and Ice' is a recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
Origin Hosta 'Fire and Ice' was discovered in tissue culture by Hans Hansen of Shady Oaks Nursery. It is a sport of Hosta 'Patriot', which means it arose from a spontaneous mutation in the 'Patriot' hosta. It was registered in 1999 and has since become a popular choice for shade gardens.
Planting When planting Hosta 'Fire and Ice', consider the following:
- Soil: Hostas prefer slightly acidic, evenly moist, well-drained, humusy soil. The ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 6.5.
- Planting Depth: The crown of the hosta should be planted about 1 inch below the soil surface.
- Spacing: Space plants 12 to 15 inches apart.
- Root Care: When planting, spread the roots evenly throughout the soil to encourage faster growth.
Hosta 'Fire and Ice' is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but providing optimal growing conditions will help it flourish. Here are some essential tips for growing and caring for this hosta:
- Light: It prefers partial shade to full shade. Morning sun is acceptable and can even enhance the leaf colors, but avoid intense afternoon sun, which can be detrimental.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a robust root system. Once established, reduce the frequency of watering.
- Soil: Hostas thrive in moist, well-drained, highly organic soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Sandy loam is preferable to clay soil as it offers better aeration for the roots.
- Fertilizer: A light application of fertilizer in early spring is beneficial. You can also side-dress with compost or aged manure.
- Mulch: Applying mulch can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. However, keep the mulch away from the crown to prevent rot.
- Pests and Diseases: Slugs and snails are common pests that can damage hosta leaves. Use slug bait or other methods to control them. Watch for foliar nematodes, which can cause browning between the leaf veins.
- Division: Hostas are easily propagated through division. This can be done in spring or fall.
- Winter Care: In colder climates, mulch the plants in winter to prevent heaving.
- Challenges in Warm Climates: In warm climates or with excessive sunlight exposure, the white center of the leaves may develop brown areas and holes, a phenomenon known as "melting out".
Companion Plants Hosta 'Fire and Ice' pairs well with other shade-loving plants that complement their foliage and create a visually appealing combination in the garden. Some suitable companion plants include:
- Ferns (Polystichum)
- Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
- Coral Bells (Heuchera)
- Ligularia (Ligularia)
- Bleeding Heart (Dicentra)
Hosta 'Fire and Ice' is a truly exceptional plant that brings a touch of elegance and drama to any shade garden. Its unique foliage, characterized by the contrasting white center and dark green margins, makes it a standout among hosta varieties. This slow-growing perennial, discovered by Hans Hansen and registered in 1999, has even received the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.
With its preference for partial to full shade and adaptability to various soil types, 'Fire and Ice' is relatively low-maintenance. However, gardeners in warmer climates should be mindful of the potential for the white center of the leaves to "melt out" with excessive sun exposure.
Whether used as a specimen plant, in mass plantings, or as a border, Hosta 'Fire and Ice' is sure to be a captivating addition to any garden. Its unique beauty and ease of care make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
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