Hosta 'Sum and Substance'
 
Tried and True Recommended by 10 Professionals
Common Name: hosta
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Agavaceae
Zone: 3 to 8
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Spread: 3 to 5 feet
Bloom Time: August
Bloom Color: Lavender
Bloom Description: Lavender
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Leaves: Colorful
Wildlife: Attracts Hummingbirds
Tolerates: Dense Shade, Black Walnuts
Uses: Cut Flower

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. No special culture is required. Soil should be kept moist, however, especially in hot, sunny conditions. This cultivar needs substantial sun to bring out the best golden foliage color.

Noteworthy Characteristics

As the cultivar name indicates, this is an immense hosta growing to 30" high and 60" in diameter. Features large (20" x 15"), heart-shaped, thick-textured, glossy yellow leaves which turn golden over time with proper sun exposure and racemes of bell-shaped, fragrant, white flowers on scapes up to 38". A dependable and versatile perennial requiring little care. Grown primarily for its beautiful foliage which provides color, contrast and texture to the landscape. Dense foliage crowds out garden weeds. American Hosta Society multiple award winner.

Problems

Slugs and snails can be problems with many of the hostas. This cultivar is very pest resistant and is an ideal, low-maintenance garden perennial.

Garden Uses

This very large hosta may be best utilized as a specimen or large clump planting in sunnier locations than most hostas in the woodland garden, perennial border or naturalized area. It is also effective on a slope where it can help reduce soil erosion.