Hostas are popular plants that do well in shade. They are grown mostly for their pretty leaves, but most varieties also have pretty, tubular flowers. Hosta leaves come in many styles, colors, sizes, and feels, so you can find one that works well for your garden.
Hosta Sum and Substance’ has large yellow-green leaves and delicate lilac flowers. It’s ideal for growing in a shady border or as part of a shady container display. Some hostas can handle sun, but Hosta Sum and Substance needs some to all shade because the sun can burn its leaves and stress the plant out because it needs moist soil.
For best results, grow in partial to full shade, in rich, fertile, moist soil or compost. Add plenty of organic matter to the soil before planting. Mulch annually. Advertisement.
With its huge, chartreuse leaves and impressive spread, Sum and Substance hosta is a showstopper in any garden This popular hosta variety adds drama, texture, and vibrant color to shady landscape beds However, properly caring for Sum and Substance hostas is essential to keep the plants healthy and maintain their spectacular size and appearance.
In this comprehensive guide we will explore everything you need to know about successfully growing and caring for Sum and Substance hostas including
- Description and Characteristics
- Light and Soil Requirements
- Planting and Propagation
- Watering and Fertilizing
- Pruning and Maintenance
- Pest and Disease Control
- Overwintering Tips
Description and Characteristics of Sum and Substance Hosta
Sum and Substance hosta is known for having the largest leaves of any hosta variety, with immense leaves reaching up to 28 inches long and 24 inches wide. The leaves are a vibrant chartreuse-yellow color with a slightly corrugated texture.
This hosta variety can spread into a massive clump up to 6 feet wide. It reaches heights of 36 inches, with the flower scapes extending even taller in mid to late summer. The scapes produce pale lavender flowers.
Sum and Substance hosta foliage tends to emerge early in spring, providing interest and color in the garden while other plants are just waking up. It maintains its enormous size throughout the season if properly cared for.
This variety was hybridized by renowned hosta breeder Paul Aden in the 1980s, It has won numerous awards thanks to its vigorous growth and dramatic presence,
Providing the Right Growing Conditions
Sum and Substance hostas thrive when given suitable growing conditions. Here are the key factors to provide this variety:
Light Requirements
- Does best in partial shade to full shade
- Can tolerate some morning sun if soil stays moist
- Afternoon sun will cause leaf scorching
Soil Requirements
- Rich, organic, well-draining soil
- Consistently moist but not waterlogged
- Neutral pH between 6.5-7.5
- Amend clay soils with compost to improve drainage
Ideal Temperature Range
- Grows well in zones 3-9
- Can withstand cold winters and hot summers
- Performs best in cooler climates with moderate humidity
Planting and Propagating Sum and Substance Hosta
Sum and Substance hostas are relatively easy to plant and propagate. Follow these tips for success:
When to Plant
- Spring or fall is ideal
- Avoid summer heat or winter frosts
Where to Plant
- Prepare a partially shaded garden bed
- Amend soil with compost as needed
How to Plant
- Dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the root ball
- Place plant in hole, keeping top of root ball level with soil surface
- Backfill hole and water thoroughly after planting
Propagating
- Divide mature clumps in early spring or fall
- Each division should have 3-5 eyes/growth points
- Replant divisions following planting instructions above
Watering and Fertilizing for Optimal Growth
Proper watering and fertilizing is key to maximizing the growth and keeping the foliage vibrant.
Watering
- Require consistently moist soil, never allowing roots to dry out
- Water deeply 1-2 times per week during dry periods
- Avoid frequent shallow watering
- Monitor soil moisture and water when top few inches become dry
Fertilizing
- Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring
- Supplementary liquid feedings every 4-6 weeks during growing season
- Reduce fertilizer after August to discourage growth before winter dormancy
Pruning and Maintenance
Basic pruning and maintenance improves the appearance and health of Sum and Substance hostas.
- Remove spent flower scapes in midsummer after blooming
- Cut back any damaged, diseased, or unsightly leaves and stems
- Thin overly crowded clumps by cutting out older growth at the base
- Divide every 3-5 years in spring to rejuvenate
- Cut foliage to the ground after first fall frost
Preventing and Controlling Pests and Diseases
Sum and Substance hostas are susceptible to some common hosta pests and diseases. Prevent and treat any issues promptly:
Slugs and Snails
- Set out beer traps or protect plants with copper tape
- Hand pick off plants daily
- Use iron phosphate slug bait as needed
Fungal Diseases
- Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering
- Remove infected leaves promptly
- Treat with neem oil or appropriate fungicide
Voles or Mice
- Discourage with physical barriers like hardware cloth
- Use predator urine granules as a deterrent
Deer
- Protect plants with fencing or deer repellent spray
- Apply garlic or pepper powder based repellents around plants
Overwintering Tips
Sum and Substance hostas are hardy in zones 3-9, but some overwintering care can boost their health and performance:
- Cut back foliage after first fall frost
- Cover crown with 2-3 inches of mulch for insulation and protection
- Avoid mulching too early when ground is still warm
- Remove mulch in spring as growth resumes
- Keep soil slightly moist (not soaked) even when dormant
Using Sum and Substance Hosta in the Landscape
The enormous size and bold color of Sum and Substance hosta makes it perfect for creating dramatic effects in gardens and landscapes.
- Plant as a vibrant focal point or specimens
- Mass in groups for high-impact groundcover
- Surround with smaller plants like ferns or astilbe
- Site on slope for cascading effect
- Use as bold container plant on patios or decks
With its imposing stature and bright color, Sum and Substance hosta is sure to make a statement wherever it is planted. Follow this care guide to successfully grow Sum and Substance hostas in your own landscape. Give it the right conditions and a bit of maintenance, and it will amply reward you with its enormous, vibrant presence year after year.
Hosta ‘Sum & substance’ and wildlife
Hosta ‘Sum & substance’ is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
‘Sum & Substance’ HOSTA Autumn Care Growing Home #hosta
FAQ
Can sum and substance hosta tolerate sun?
What kind of fertilizer is good for hostas?
Can you use Miracle Grow on hostas?
How do you care for a sum & substance host plant?
Sum and Substance Hosta plants prefer an average texture soil where the roots can easily spread out. They will tolerate sun early in the day and like to have shade late in the afternoon in hotter southern climates. Acidic, neutral, or alkaline soil is acceptable for these plants.
How to care for a Sum & Substance Hosta?
Sum and Substance Hosta can be cared for by using a thin mulch of broken eggshells or coffee grounds to minimize damage. They tolerate sun better early in the day and prefer shade late in the afternoon in hotter southern climates. These plants are happy in an average texture soil where their roots can easily spread out.
Are Hostas good plants?
Hostas, such as the Sum and Substance variety, remain one of the workhorses of the shady, damp garden. There are many varieties, old and new, to choose from. Hostas have been popular since the Sum and Substance variety was made Hosta of the Year in 2004.
What does a hosta plant look like?
One of the largest hostas, Hosta ‘Sum and Substance’ (Plantain Lily) is a perennial forming a spreading mound of thick, broadly heart-shaped, light green leaves, up to 20 in. long (50 cm), turning chartreuse to gold depending on sun exposure. Shiny above and thinly glaucous below, the lush foliage provides color and texture to the landscape.
Are there different types of Hostas?
Yes, there are many varieties of Hostas. One popular variety is Sum and Substance. It was made Hosta of the Year in 2004 and is known for its large, chartreuse leaves with textured surfaces. The leaves hold their color best in some sun.
How deep should a sum & substance Hosta be planted?
Sum and Substance Hosta should be planted with the crown set at soil level. Spacing of 5 feet center on center is recommended. Sum and Substance Hosta, when planted too deep, may exhibit certain signs.