Fire and Ice Hosta

Size

If you have shade, youll love hosta. The perennial and environment are made for each other. Fire and Ice is an excellent choice for deep shade because its variegated leaves will brighten the area. A reverse of the popular Patriot hosta, the dark green edges of Fire and Ice surround white, middle sections of the leaves to create a crisp, clean look in the garden. Or let it add that clean, crisp look as filler in a shade container. In the landscape, as the hosta grows, it camouflages the ripening leaves of spring bulbs, such as daffodils and tulips. Hostas are tough plants. They are up to an urban lifestyle and seemingly unbothered by vehicle pollution. Fire and Ice has a mounded form and gets about 20 inches tall and 30 inches wide. Hostas bloom on whats called scapes, tall stalks of trumpet-shaped flowers. Fire and Ice has lavender flowers on 30-inch tall scapes in midsummer. Hosta flowers attract hummingbirds. Bees may rob nectar (called nectar robbing) from hosta flowers by puncturing a hole at the base of the bloom and slurping up the goodies. Snip a scape or two for an indoor arrangement. Fire and Ice Hosta Care Grow hostas in shade or part shade (fewer than 4 to 6 hours of sun). The plants do well with morning sun or planted under shade or ornamental trees. They are fairly tolerant of clay soil and drought, even though hostas prefer rich, organic soil. If planted among tree roots, be sure to water the hostas regularly to help them get enough moisture because the tree will take up a lot. In late fall, cut hosta leaves to the ground. Its easier to do before a hard freeze, which turns the leaves to mush. Deer, rabbits and slugs like hostas. If these animals are a serious problem, consider a repellent for deer and rabbits. Cultural practices can control slugs, such as pulling mulch away from the base of the plant. There are organic, pet-safe slug baits. Always read and follow the label directions. Fire and Ice Hosta Spacing In the landscape, space Fire and Ice hosta about 30 inches apart, center on center. This gives the plant enough air circulation and room for the roots to grow once mature. Plant as a border in the garden or grow three to five in a clump.