Hosta (Plantain Lily) - Sum & Substance

Hosta 'Sum & Substance' is a magnificent plantain lily variety renowned for its enormous, chartreuse-gold foliage that makes a bold statement in shade gardens. This award-winning perennial creates an impressive architectural presence with leaves that can reach up to 18 inches long on mature specimens. The giant hosta develops into a spectacular clump that serves as an eye-catching focal point in woodland settings and shaded borders. Its impressive size, coupled with pale lavender flowers in midsummer, makes this perennial a standout choice for gardeners looking to add dramatic structure and golden highlights to shaded landscapes.

Key Features:

- Enormous chartreuse-gold leaves create dramatic impact in shade gardens and woodland settings.

- Develops into an impressive clump reaching 30-36 inches tall and up to 6 feet wide at maturity.

- Produces attractive pale lavender flower spikes on tall stems in midsummer, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators.

- Exceptional slug resistance compared to many other hosta varieties.

- Former American Hosta Growers Association "Hosta of the Year" winner with proven garden performance. - Provides excellent ground cover for large shaded areas where few other plants thrive.

Plant Care Instructions

1. Light Requirements:

- Thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions.

- Can tolerate morning sun but needs protection from intense afternoon sunlight.

- Receives best golden coloration with 3-4 hours of filtered morning light daily.

2. Watering:

- Keep soil consistently moist, especially during establishment and hot periods.

- Water deeply once weekly, providing 1-2 inches of water when rainfall is insufficient.

- Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf spotting and fungal issues.

3. Soil Type: - Prefers rich, humus-rich soil with good drainage.

- Amend heavy clay soils with compost to improve drainage and moisture retention.

- Maintains best growth in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0).

4. Temperature & Hardiness Zone:

- Hardy to Zone 3b, withstanding temperatures down to -35°F.

- Tolerates cold northern winters with minimal protection.

- Apply 2-3 inches of leaf mulch in late fall to protect crown from freeze-thaw cycles.

5. Fertilizer:

- Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring when growth emerges.

- Side-dress with compost annually to improve soil structure and provide nutrients.

- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that may cause leaf burn or diminish gold coloration.

6. Pruning & Maintenance:

- Remove damaged or discolored leaves as needed throughout growing season.

- Cut flower scapes after blooming if seed production is not desired.

- Cut back all foliage to ground level after first hard frost in fall.

7. Special Notes:

- More slug-resistant than many other hosta varieties but may still require occasional control measures.

- Division is rarely needed but can be performed every 5-7 years in early spring if desired.