Fire and Ice Hosta

Hosta ‘Fire and Ice’ is a mounding selection with bright white leaf centers framed by dark green margins. It forms a mound about 16 inches high and benefits from roughly 24–32 inches of growing room ([Chicago Botanic Garden profile](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/hosta-fire-and-ice-fire-ice-hosta), [Iowa State cultivar table](https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/hosta-types-and-cultivars-iowa)). ## Foliage and flowers The strongly contrasting leaves brighten shady beds, and fragrant lavender flowers rise above them in summer. This named cultivar is a sport of ‘Patriot’ ([Chicago Botanic Garden profile](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/hosta-fire-and-ice-fire-ice-hosta)). ## Growing conditions Site it in partial or full shade in moist, loamy soil. The broad mound works at a shaded border, as a specimen, or as ground cover beneath taller trees and shrubs. Give the leaves room to spread and keep the soil from drying during hot weather. ## Maintenance Remove old foliage as it dies back, then clear it before new leaves unfurl in spring. Divide an established clump in spring or early fall if it outgrows its space. Inspect leaves periodically for slug or snail feeding, which can leave ragged holes in the foliage.