Product Description
Hosta 'Sum and Substance' (Arden 1980) (20)ct Flat
Very large.
- One of the largest hostas available today, with 16", broadly ovate leaves and a huge, mounded form
- Leaf color varies with the amount of available sun from light green to chartreuse to gold; prefers ¼-¾ day of sun
- Leaves are of good substance, corrugated, and glossy, giving them good slug resistance
- Pale lavender, bell-shaped flowers on 48" scapes in mid to late summer
- Exhibits greater sun tolerance
Hostas are exceedingly popular perennials in today's gardens due to their versatility in the landscape. Their subtle colors, tall flower scapes, and broad, coarse leaves fill a niche in garden designs that few other plants can achieve. Their large leaves provide excellent coverage for dying bulb foliage. Hostas also grow well in city environments where the air may be polluted by car exhaust, etc.
American Hosta Growers' Association Hosta of the Year -- 2004
American Hosta Society Eunice Fisher Award (Best large leaf hosta) -- 1984
American Hosta Society President's Exhibitor Trophy -- 1987
Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit -- 1993
American Hosta Society Benedict Garden Performance Award Honorable Mention -- 2011
American Hosta Society Benedict Garden Performance Award of Merit -- 2013
American Hosta Society Benedict Garden Performance Medal -- 2015
Height: 36 Inches
Spread: 5.0-6.0 Feet
Scape Height: 4.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Purple shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer - Late Summer
Attracts Hummingbirds
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Foliage, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting
Hosta 'Sum and Substance' is a giant hosta cultivar that truly lives up to its name, offering a substantial presence and bold texture in the shade garden. It is one of the largest hostas available and is prized for its impressive size, sun tolerance, and slug resistance. Here is a closer look at its remarkable features:
Appearance:
- Giant Chartreuse Leaves: 'Sum and Substance' forms a massive mound of thick, broadly ovate, chartreuse leaves. The leaves can reach up to 16 inches long and have a glossy, corrugated surface, adding to their textural appeal. The color can range from light green to gold, depending on the amount of sun exposure.
- Pale Lavender Flowers: In mid to late summer, it produces pale lavender, bell-shaped flowers on tall, 48-inch scapes (stalks) that rise above the foliage.
- Mounding Habit: It forms a huge, mounding habit, typically reaching about 30 inches tall and 60 inches wide.
Growing Conditions:
- Sun Tolerance: Thrives in partial shade to full shade but can tolerate more sun than many other hostas. It prefers ¼ to ¾ day of sun to develop its best golden color.
- Moist Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Hardiness Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3-8, making it a versatile choice for many gardeners.
Care:
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
- Mulching: Mulching around the plant helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Dividing: Divide clumps every few years in spring or fall to maintain vigor, although it can take many years to reach its full size.
Uses:
- Shade Gardens: Creates a dramatic focal point in shade gardens.
- Specimen Plant: Its impressive size and form make it an outstanding specimen plant.
- Background Plant: Can be used as a background plant in borders, adding height and texture.
- Woodland Gardens: Adds a touch of grandeur and lushness to woodland gardens.
Additional Information:
- Giant Size: 'Sum and Substance' is one of the largest hosta cultivars available, making a bold statement in the landscape.
- Slug Resistance: Its thick, glossy leaves offer good resistance to slug damage.
- Sun Tolerance: Its ability to tolerate more sun than many other hostas makes it a versatile choice for gardens with varying light conditions.
- Award Winner: It was named Hosta of the Year in 2004 by the American Hosta Growers Association.
If you are looking for a hosta that will command attention with its giant size, bold texture, and sun tolerance, Hosta 'Sum and Substance' is an excellent choice. It is a truly remarkable addition to any shade garden.
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!
