Hosta, Sum and Substance

Hosta 'Sum and Substance'

Height: 24-36in
Spread: 36-60in
Zone: 3-8
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Bloom Time/Color: August; lavender/white
Uses: Shade gardens, massing, specimen, borders
Maintenance: Medium
Other: Attracts hummingbirds, cut flower, fragrant

Hostas continue to be the mainstays of the shade garden and the backdrops for other smaller perennials. If given consistent even moisture, hostas can be planted in most soils in shade and will require little care thereafter. Hostas will grow into large clumps and can be easily divided and moved; plant in mass or borders for a bold effect. Aside from the varying color schemes of hosta leaves, most are green and will produce slender stalks of bell-shaped flowers by mid-summer. Both the leaves and flowers make decent cut flowers and can be used in mixed arrangements. Flowers also attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. 'Sum and Substance' is a massive hosta (reaching almost three feet tall) with large heart-shaped chartreuse-gold leaves. One of the few hostas that can be grown in full sun. Flowers are fragrant. Winner of several American Hosta Society awards.