Hosta 'Sum and Substance'

Hosta 'Sum and Substance': Giant Chartreuse, Slugs Not Invited

Huge, thick, chartreuse-gold leaves the size of a serving platter. 'Sum and Substance' doesn't do small talk. It shows up, takes over the whole corner and SAYS EVERYTHING WITHOUT A WORD.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Hosta 'Sum and Substance'
• Common Name: Plantain Lily, Hosta
• Height: 90 cm (3 ft) foliage, with flower stems to about 120 cm (4 ft)
• Spread: 150–180 cm (5–6 ft)
• Flowers: Pale lavender, bell-shaped, on tall stems
• Bloom Time: Mid to late summer (late July to August)
• Foliage: Very large, thick, heart-shaped leaves in chartreuse to gold, with a white bloom underneath
• Features: Slug resistant, Hosta of the Year 2004, RHS Award of Garden Merit

Where to Plant: Use it as a focal point in a large shade garden, at the back of a border, or as a single specimen where a big, bright plant is needed. One clump can cover a lot of bare ground under trees.

Companion Plants: Give this giant gold hosta the centre of a moist, shady bed and surround it with dark leaves and fine textures. Pulmonaria Opal opens pale opal-blue bells at 30 to 35 cm in April and May, before the hosta leaves unfurl. Heuchera FOREVER® 'Midnight' adds near-black foliage at 30 cm, a strong contrast to the chartreuse. Cimicifuga 'Brunette' rises behind at 120 to 150 cm with dark leaves and fragrant spikes from August to October. Carex grayi adds glossy blades at 60 to 90 cm with spiky, mace-like seed heads.

Plant Care: Plant in part sun to full shade, in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It tolerates more sun than many hostas if kept watered, and the leaves turn more golden with sun. Leave plenty of room; it takes a few years to reach full size. Water deeply during dry spells, since big leaves lose a lot of water. Deer and rabbits will eat hostas, so use a repellent or fencing if they visit. Its heavy leaves resist slug damage well. Cut back the flower stems after bloom and clear the foliage after a hard frost. Divide in spring with a sharp spade if it outgrows its space.

History: Paul Aden of New York registered 'Sum and Substance' in 1980, though more recent research credits Florence Shaw of Massachusetts as its true originator, and its parentage is uncertain. It topped the American Hosta Society popularity poll for many years, was named Hosta of the Year in 2004, and holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Final Thoughts: Slug resistant, enormous and impossible to overlook. One plant fills the space of three. DO THE MATH.