Hosta - Sum and Substance
Best statement perennial for gardeners looking to brighten large shady spaces.
Introducing the Hosta 'Sum and Substance,' a distinguished perennial celebrated as the 2004 Hosta of the Year. This variety captivates with its enormous, undulating leaves in vibrant golden and chartreuse hues, forming a vigorous mound that can expand up to six feet wide. It's perfect for illuminating shady garden spots and offers beautiful lavender blooms in mid-summer. This offering includes three Hosta Roots and is backed by a 100% Grow Guarantee when planting instructions are followed.
$19.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
726
/ 3183
#726 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
-15%
Below average
USDA Hardiness Zones
39
/ -
Who it's for
- Landscapers needing to brighten dark, shaded garden corners
- Hobbyists tired of battling persistent garden slugs and snails
- Gardeners seeking a dramatic, large-scale focal point
Who should skip it
- Urban gardeners working with small containers or tight spaces
- Impatient growers wanting an instant, fully mature landscape effect
- Homeowners with gardens exposed to harsh, direct afternoon sun
Performance breakdown
Foliage Impact
Massive, vibrant leaves create an immediate focal point in shady landscapes.
Growth Vigor
A robust perennial that establishes quickly and fills space with ease.
Hardiness Range
Thrives across a wide variety of climates from zones three through nine.
Pollinator Appeal
Lavender blooms provide a reliable nectar source for local hummingbirds.
Shade Tolerance
Perfectly adapted to brighten up the darkest corners of your garden.
Planting Reliability
Backed by a strong guarantee that ensures successful root establishment.
Key Specs
USDA Hardiness Zones
3-9
Height
36-40 inches
Spread
3-5 feet (up to 6 feet wide at maturity)
Sunlight Requirement
Partial Shade to Full Shade
Water Requirement
Moderate
Planting Depth
Crown 1/2" below soil line
Spacing
36-42 inches apart
Life Cycle
Perennial
Features
- Massive golden and chartreuse leaves
- Expands up to 6 feet wide
- Attracts hummingbirds
- Brightens shady garden areas
- Produces lavender blooms
- Vigorous grower
- Award-winning variety
- Includes 3 Hosta Roots
What customers say
Customers express deep satisfaction with the 'Sum and Substance' Hosta, focusing primarily on its exceptional quality and eventual performance. Reviewers consistently praise the robust nature of this variety, highlighting its impressive massive size and striking chartreuse gold coloration that dramatically enhances shaded gardens. A key point of positive feedback centers on the excellent quality of the bare roots received; they are frequently described as healthy, firm, and well packaged, leading to successful establishment. While some new buyers note initial concern over the dormant size, experienced gardeners confirm this Hosta rewards patience. Once mature, the plant is celebrated for its thick, slug resistant foliage and vigorous growth, offering superior garden impact and longevity compared to potted alternatives.
Know before you buy
This is a large-scale perennial that can reach up to six feet in width at maturity. You should space your plants 36 to 42 inches apart to allow for proper airflow and growth.
While it is primarily a shade-loving plant, 'Sum and Substance' is more sun-tolerant than many other varieties due to its thick, golden leaves. It thrives best in partial to full shade, but it can handle more light in cooler climates.
Plant the roots with the crown positioned about 1/2 inch below the soil line. Ensure the soil is well-draining and keep it moderately moist until the plant is established.
Yes, this variety produces lavender-purple blooms in mid-summer that are known to attract hummingbirds. It serves as both a structural foliage plant and a seasonal nectar source.
Absolutely. Hosta 'Sum and Substance' is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, making it a reliable perennial that can withstand cold winters across most of the United States.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$20