Species hosta
Hosta 'Sum and Substance' showcasing its large, vibrant green heart shaped leaf with a smooth, textured surface

hosta

Hosta 'Sum and Substance'

Hosta 'Sum and Substance' is a vigorous and showy perennial plant boasting massive, jagged-edged leaves. It can grow up to 2 feet in width and 3 feet in height, and has bright yellow flowers that bloom throughout the season. It has great heat and drought tolerance and is ideal for shady areas with moist, well-drained soil. The plant receives its name from its unique shape and size; it looks like a large lump of "sum and substance" in the landscape. With its beautiful foliage and ability to thrive in difficult conditions, it is a great choice for gardens and outdoor areas.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Tissue Culture,Air Layering Propagation,Stem Propagation,Offsets

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Lavender Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow,tan

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Hosta 'Sum and Substance' should be watered regularly but carefully. It prefers moist soil, but avoid overwatering. Generally, give your hosta 1 to 2 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or additional watering. To get an accurate gauge of how much water your Hosta is receiving, use a rain guage or soil moisture meter. If the soil is dry to the touch, it's time to water. Let the water soak in deeply, and then allow the top soil to dry out between waterings. It is best to water in the morning so the leaves have a chance to dry before nightfall and prevent fungal diseases from infecting the plant.

sunlight

Hosta 'Sum and Substance' plants prefer partial sun or shade, but need some direct sunlight each day to thrive. Typically, these plants should get 3-4 hours of direct sunlight daily during the growing season, from late spring to early fall. Morning sunlight is ideal since the light will be less intense. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn and turn yellow. In Winter, these plants can handle a little more direct sunlight. To ensure healthy and vigorous growth, it's best to keep them away from direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day.

pruning

As a general rule, Hosta 'Sum and Substance' should be pruned in the late spring or early summer when the new growth is just beginning to appear. It's important to remove any dead or yellowing leaves, as well as any stems and foliage that have been affected by diseases or insect infestations. It's also beneficial to prune away any shoots or stems that are growing in an uncomfortable direction. For a more aesthetically pleasing look, you can prune the plant's height to create a more uniform look. To do this, you can cut off the tips of the longest stems to shorten their length. In addition, it's important to thin out the center of the plant to direct airflow and promote better growth. Lastly, you may want to consider removing any off-shooting species or overcrowded clumps. Pruning should be done with a sharp pruning shears and done with care to protect the integrity of the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Hosta 'Sum and Substance' typically starts flowering in late June or early July.

Hardiness Map