Fire and Ice Hosta

Hosta 'Fire & Ice'

Nature Hills Nursery

Stunning Variegated Foliage with Pure White Centers Rimmed in Emerald Green Year-Round
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-8
Grows 1-2 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Purple Blooms From Early Summer to Late Summer
Excellent Mass Planting in Asian Gardens

$32⁷⁸

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant in a spot that receives dappled shade or gentle morning sun. Avoid harsh afternoon rays, as the bright white centers are prone to "sun scorch" which leaves the leaves looking crisp and brown.
Soil: These hostas thrive in rich, organic soil that feels like a wrung-out sponge. If you have heavy clay, mix in a few handfuls of compost or aged bark to improve drainage and prevent the roots from sitting in stagnant water.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water deeply twice a week to help the root system reach deep into the soil. Once established, Fire and Ice is relatively low maintenance, but consistent moisture is key to keeping those high-contrast leaves looking crisp. If the soil stays dry for too long, you will notice the white leaf centers turning transparent or brown as the plant tries to conserve energy.

Pruning Tips

Hostas do not require traditional pruning, but you should "deadhead" the flower stalks once the purple blooms fade to keep the plant's energy focused on its stunning foliage. In late autumn after a hard frost has turned the leaves yellow or brown, cut the entire plant back to ground level. This cleanup removes the hiding spots for slugs and snails that love to snack on the new growth come springtime.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as the "eyes" or pointed tips begin to poke through the soil. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages tender new growth that will not have time to harden off before the first freeze. One feeding per year is usually plenty to maintain its vibrant white and green variegation.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Container Friendly, Low Maintenance, Flowering
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade, Shade
Height	1-2 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Compact
Blooms In	Summer
Flower Color	Purple
Foliage Color	Green, Other, Variegated
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Plant Name	Hosta
Botanical Name	Hosta 'Fire & Ice'
Species	hybrid
Cultivar	Fire & Ice
Class	Asparagales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Is there a spot in your shady garden that needs some life? Hosta Fire and Ice (Hosta 'Fire & Ice') are like fireworks on a dark night! These small Hostas have pure white leaves edged in a thick rim of dark, emerald green. The leaves begin in the spring and go strong until the first frost!

As an added bonus, in late summer Fire and Ice Hosta shoots up long spikes of purple flowers. Plant these around a shaded patio or gazebo and instantly up the 'Wow' factor of your garden. Hummingbirds and pollinators adore these trumpet-shaped blooms that call them to your garden!

You will enjoy these lovely plants for years to come! They are long-lived and thrive throughout USDA growing zones 3 to 9, loving the heat and humidity, cold, and are incredibly easy to grow! Even the most novice or busy gardeners will have success growing these herbaceous perennials!

Planting and Application:

Order plenty to fill in your shady landscape areas. Fire and Ice love humus-rich soil and work great in woodland plantings and shady beds under trees. Fire and Ice also shine in a well-drained container. Fire and Ice add color and texture to any shady area of your garden! All Hostas are most at home in shady, woodland settings and works well as an accent or edging plant, or groundcover!

The striking color combo looks great when mixed with other Hostas and shade-loving plants like classic Bleeding Hearts or Ferns. Large planters and containers in the dappled shade around your patio or even a shaded balcony will benefit from the graceful presence of these impressive plants. The cool coloration and eye-catching growth will decorate garden rooms with sculptural decor.

Perfect for shady Asian and Zen-inspired gardens, blue-leaved Hostas lend a cool and calming presence to areas for meditation and relaxation. Contemporary plantings and informal cottage gardens alike benefit from these large perennials and other shade-loving plants. Borders look divine with long rows of Hosta skirting and tidying up their edges. So will your driveway and walkways, and shady paths!

Bi-Color White & Emerald Green Leaves
Long Spikes of Purple Blooms In Mid-Summer
Fountain-Shaped Mounded Clumps
Attracts Hummingbirds & Pollinators
Great Specimen Plant, Great Shade Garden & Edging Plant

#ProPlantTips for Care:

All these easy perennials need is well-drained soil and a few hours of morning sun to be truly happy. Hostas grow in high-filtered or dappled sunlight. This is necessary for clean, healthy growth. The leaves need some morning sun to bring out the best coloration however, the hot afternoon sun will burn the leaves, especially in warmer growing zones. Plant in any moist, well-drained spot and grows well in highly organic soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Sandy loam is better than clay because it provides more aeration for the roots.

It is best to keep areas around Hostas clear of excess leaf debris, this way you can reduce the presence of slugs and snails. Once frosts arrive, Hosta is an herbaceous perennial that dies back to the ground and emerges again in early spring. Removing the old leaves in early winter will also prevent the spreading of any fungal issues.

A generous layer of mulch chips helps retain soil moisture as well as insulate the root system from heat and chill. Low maintenance and an easy-care perennial, Hostas are one of the most versatile perennials for shady landscaping. Divide the plants in early spring as needed.

Full Shade Loving Perennial
Moisture Loving Plant
Well-Drained Enriched Soil
Prune Late Fall
Has Cold Hardiness & Humidity-Resistance
Easy Care & Low Maintenance

Striking color contrast lights up the shade! The Fire and Ice Hosta adds brilliance to your garden, so hurry and order enough for your next project today at Nature Hills!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How big does Fire and Ice Hosta get at maturity?

Fire and Ice Hosta reaches 8-12 inches tall and spreads 12-18 inches wide at maturity. This compact size makes it perfect for edging, containers, or filling smaller shaded spaces. Allow adequate spacing when planting multiples for best growth.

What are the sunlight requirements for Fire and Ice Hosta?

Fire and Ice Hosta thrives in shade and is perfectly suited for woodland settings. These perennials love shady areas under trees, around patios, or in dappled shade locations. Plant them where they'll receive protection from direct sun for best leaf color and growth.

How much water does Fire and Ice Hosta need, and how do I keep the soil moist?

Fire and Ice Hostas need consistent moisture but well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically 1-2 times per week. Add mulch around plants to retain moisture and keep roots cool in their preferred shady locations.

Is Fire and Ice Hosta deer-resistant, or do deer eat it?

Fire and Ice Hosta is not deer-resistant, as deer typically browse on most hosta varieties including this one. Like other hostas, the tender white and green foliage is appealing to deer. Plant in fenced areas or use deer repellent sprays for protection in zones 3-9.

How do I divide or propagate Fire and Ice Hosta?

Fire and Ice Hosta divides easily in early spring or fall by splitting the crown with a sharp spade. Dig up the entire clump and separate into sections with roots and shoots attached. Replant divisions immediately in humus-rich, shady soil. Shop healthy starter plants at naturehills.com.

What should I do with Fire and Ice Hosta in winter or fall?

Fire and Ice Hosta naturally dies back to the ground after the first frost in zones 3-9. Simply cut back the dead foliage in late fall or early spring. No winter protection is needed since these hardy perennials return reliably each spring.

How is Fire and Ice Hosta shipped, bare root or potted?

Fire and Ice Hosta ships as a live plant in a pot, not bare root. This allows the plant to establish quickly in your garden and ensures the distinctive white and green foliage is ready to provide instant impact in zones 3-9. Plant in humus-rich, shaded areas for best results.

What size plant will I receive when ordering Fire and Ice Hosta?

Fire and Ice Hostas are shipped as established potted plants ready for immediate planting. These small-sized hostas will develop their signature white leaves with dark green edges from spring through first frost. Plant in shade with humus-rich soil for best results.