Hosta 'Sum and Substance'

Hosta 'Sum and Substance': Bold Presence in Golden Green

Monumental in both size and impact, Hosta 'Sum and Substance' makes a powerful statement with its immense, slightly glossy leaves in shades of chartreuse to gold. This award-winning cultivar forms an impressive mound that anchors shaded beds with confident structure and luminous colour. In late summer, tall scapes bear pale lavender flowers that rise well above the foliage.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 70–85 cm
• Spread: 150–180 cm, forming a large, commanding mound
• Flower Colour: Pale lavender
• Flowering Period: Late summer
• Foliage: Very large, heart-shaped leaves; chartreuse to gold, slightly corrugated and satiny
• Sunlight Requirements: Partial shade to part sun; morning sun deepens golden tones
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil

Uses and Benefits: Hosta 'Sum and Substance' is perfect for making a bold focal point in large shade gardens or as a dramatic specimen in foundation plantings. Its sheer size and luminous foliage provide stunning contrast to finer-textured plants, and its slug-resistant leaves hold up well through the season. It brings colour, presence, and architectural interest wherever it grows.

Companion Plants: Pair Hosta 'Sum and Substance' with Astilbe 'Superba', whose tall, bold plumes echo the hosta’s scale and bloom at the same time. Add Dryopteris 'Male Fern' for lush, upright texture. Underplant with Carex 'Gold Fountains' to reflect the hosta’s golden hues and soften the base of its broad foliage.

Care Instructions: Grow in partial shade to morning sun in moist, rich, well-drained soil. Golden colour intensifies with light, but avoid strong afternoon sun. Water regularly during dry periods and mulch to conserve moisture. Remove spent foliage in spring and divide as needed every 4–5 years.

History: Hosta 'Sum and Substance' was introduced by Paul Aden in the 1980s and quickly rose to prominence for its size and colour. It was named Hosta of the Year in 2004 and remains a benchmark cultivar for large-leaved hostas with excellent garden performance.

Final Thoughts: With its bold leaves and golden glow, Hosta 'Sum and Substance' offers unmatched scale and presence—an essential variety for gardeners who want their shade plantings to stand tall and shine brightly.