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Hosta 'Sum and Substance'

sum and substance hosta

Asparagaceae

Garden hybrid; registered Paul Aden 1980; genus native to Japan, Korea, China

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Hummingbirds Fragrant (light)Container Friendly

SunPart Shade – Full Sun

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 3–9

Overview

Hosta 'Sum and Substance' is a giant mounding deciduous perennial reaching 30–36 inches (75–90 cm) tall with a spread of 48–72 inches (120–180 cm)—ranking among the largest hostas in general cultivation. The cultivar carries broadly heart-shaped glossy leaves 15–20 inches (38–50 cm) long in bright chartreuse to golden-yellow, a color that shifts deeper into pure gold in brighter light positions and holds the chartreuse tone in partial shade. The leaf surface is lightly corrugated with a thick glossy substance rather than the matte waxy coating typical of most hostas—glossy foliage separates 'Sum and Substance' from the genus mainstream and makes the cultivar instantly recognizable at garden distance. Pale lavender funnel-shaped lightly fragrant flowers open on 40-inch (100 cm) scapes in July–August. The cultivar tolerates more direct sun than most hostas—up to 6 hours of morning sun is workable in most climates, and the increased light exposure drives the gold coloration deeper. Named Hosta of the Year 2004 by the American Hosta Society. Growth rate is moderate to fast. Hardy to zone 3.

Native Range

Hosta 'Sum and Substance' is a garden hybrid registered by hosta breeder Paul Aden in 1980 and subsequently propagated through the American and European hosta nursery trade as one of the standard large-leaved gold hostas. The genus Hosta spp. is native to East Asia (Japan, Korea, China) where species grow in moist mountain forests; the genus has been in Western cultivation since the 19th century, with the modern cultivar complex developed through 20th-century American breeding programs.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen in borders and woodland gardens at 48–72 inch (120–180 cm) spacing. The giant scale—a single mature plant covers 25–40 square feet (2.3–3.7 sq m)—makes the cultivar a focal textural anchor rather than a massed planting, requiring substantial garden space. The chartreuse-gold color brightens shaded borders and carries strong contrast value against dark-green or blue companions. Greater sun tolerance than most hostas lets the cultivar extend into positions where blue hostas would bleach out. Named Hosta of the Year 2004. The cultivar functions in very large containers of at least 15 gallons (57 L). Dry soils, small gardens, and positions without adequate space for the mature 48–72 inch spread are poor fits for the cultivar.

How to Identify

Separated from Hosta sieboldiana and var. elegans spp. by the chartreuse-gold (versus blue-green) color and the glossy (versus matte waxy) leaf surface. Separated from Hosta spp. 'June' by the much larger size and the solid chartreuse-gold (versus blue-with-gold-center variegated) coloring. Separated from Hosta spp. 'Guacamole' by the larger size (48–72 inch spread versus 36–48 inch) and the glossy (versus matte) leaves. A giant hosta with glossy bright chartreuse-gold leaves up to 20 inches (50 cm) long identifies the cultivar—no other hosta in general cultivation combines this size with this color and surface.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2'6" - 3'

Width/Spread4' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Summer

Pale lavender funnel-shaped lightly fragrant flowers open on 40-inch (100 cm) scapes in July–August. Bloom duration is 3–4 weeks. The fragrance carries at close range and gives 'Sum and Substance' stronger flower-season value than most large-leaved hostas (which are typically grown for foliage only). The massive chartreuse-gold foliage remains the primary feature.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Pale lavender; funnel-shaped; lightly fragrant; on 40-inch scapes

Foliage Description

Bright chartreuse to golden-yellow; glossy; lightly corrugated; very thick; 15-20 inches; deepens gold in more sun

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Sun

Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

4-5 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Partial shade to nearly full sun in moist humus-rich well-drained soil matches the cultivar's cultivation needs. Hardy to zone 3 (−40°F / −40°C). The cultivar tolerates more sun than most hostas—3 to 6 hours of direct morning sun is workable in most climates, and the increased light drives the gold coloration deeper than shade-grown specimens display. Consistent moisture matters more for sun-grown positions than shade-grown ones; drought stress in direct sun causes leaf-edge scorch. The thick glossy leaves carry stronger resistance to slug damage than thin-leaved hostas. Heavy feeding with balanced fertilizer or compost topdressing in spring supports the cultivar's rapid growth and maximum leaf size.

Pruning

Flower scapes are removed after bloom to redirect the plant's energy into leaf production rather than seed set. Dead foliage is cut back after the first hard frost in fall or in early spring before new growth emerges. No other pruning is needed through the year.

Pruning Schedule

fallearly spring