- Partial Shade to Partial Sun (3 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 3 - 4 Feet
- Mature Spread 3 - 4 Feet
- Growing Zones 3 - 8
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
Container Sizes
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.
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Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
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Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.