
Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread

Growing Zones
Hostas remain one of the workhorses of the shady, damp garden. There are so many varieties, old and new, to choose from. Sum and Substance is a variety that has stayed popular ever since it was made Hosta of the Year in 2004. The large, chartreuse leaves are very textured and hold their color best if planted in some sun. That’s the reason this hosta is so well beloved. It can handle sun or shade equally well. Hummingbirds and butterflies are drawn to the pale lavender blooms in August.
Free from diseases, Hostas have an architectural element that contrasts well with the other shade-loving perennials of Astilbe, Fern and Hellebore. Planted near a stream or on the outer edges of a Rain Garden plan, Hostas will not disappoint in their leafy displays. Extra protection may be needed where slugs and snails are an issue in the garden. Often a thin mulch of broken eggshells or coffee grounds is enough to keep damage to a minimum.
Sum and Substance Care
Sum and Substance Host will tolerate sun better early in the day and like to have shade late in the afternoon in the hotter southern climates. An average texture soil where the roots can easily spread out will keep these plants happy. Acidic, neutral or alkaline soil is acceptable. A moist soil is preferred to keep the large leaves upright, although standing water will cause root rot.
Hostas are herbaceous perennials that die back completely to the ground over the winter. Cutting down the foliage well after it dies back can be done anytime during the winter. Extra mulching of the crown for winter is a good idea in colder hardiness zones. Snow and cold temperatures can cause damage. Fertilizing is an annual maintenance job. A slow release, well balanced fertilizer will make for strong leaves and stems.
Sum and Substance Spacing
Sum and Substance Hosta is one of the larger varieties. Height of 3-4 feet and a width of 5-6 feet. Planting Hostas far enough apart is crucial for proper air circulation and to keep slugs from making holes in the leaves. Spacing of 5 feet center on center is recommended. Sum and Substance work best as a single specimen plant with smaller varieties of Hosta surrounding.
Sum and Substance Hosta Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8 |
Plant Type: Perennials |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Partial Sun (3 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 3 - 4 Feet |
Mature Spread: 5 - 6 Feet |
Spacing: 5 - 6 Feet |
Habit: Mounded |
Flower Color(s): Purple |
Flower Description: Lavender |
Bloom Period: July |
Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
Foliage Color(s): Green, Yellow |
Foliage Description: Chartreuse Green |
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Pests & Insects |
Tolerates: Heat, Drought |
Attracts: Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Groundcovers, Specimen or Focal Point, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Award Winner |
Brand: |
Common Name: Sum and Substance Hosta |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: HOSTA `SUM & SUBSTANCE` |
- SKU:
- 1231001644-pc
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2025 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.

Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 31th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: Idaho, AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!