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Hosta 'Sum and Substance'

F. Shaw/P. Aden 80

This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.

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Item #: 1102

Zones: 3a to 8b

Dormancy: Winter

Height: 20" tall

Culture: Part Sun to Light Shade

Origin: Hybrid

Pot Size: 3 qt. (2.8 L)


Hosta 'Sum and Substance' is considered to be one of the finest hostas ever introduced. The giant chartreuse clump is a knockout, topped by 30" long, arching scapes of hummingbird-acclaimed pale lavender flowers in midsummer. Each rounded leaf can reach 2' across, while clumps average 6' wide for good gardeners and may reach more than 9'...great for neighborhood bragging rights! Hosta 'Sum and Substance' is one of the few tetraploid hostas.

Maintenance:

Other than clearing away the dead foliage in fall, Hosta 'Sum and Substance should be a maintenance free perennial. Voles and deer are two pests that will need to be addressed if they are a problem in your area.

If you experience hail on your hosta, they can be immediately cut to the ground, and they will re-flush with new leaves. If the hail occurs late in the summer, you may be better off to just leave the foliage intact instead of force new growth when the plant is preparing to go dormant.

Old flower stalks are best removed for appearance sake, although these have no impact on the growth of health of the plant.

Growing Conditions:

Like all hostas, Hosta 'Sum and Substance' thrives in light, open shade, but it is also one of the most sun tolerant hostas, easily thriving in up to 4-6 hours of sun daily, as long as the soil is moist. It will not thrive in deep or very dry shade.

Natural Impacts:

Bees are the main pollinators for all hostas, and they are great for attracting these pollinators to your garden.