Hosta ‘Sum and Substance’
Blooming Time
Exposure
Likely the most recognizable of the golden hostas, `Sum and Substance’ hasn’t been around all that long, yet bears ‘classic’ status among foliage plants. It is a hosta one never tires of seeing as it always projects a stately character. Its rich golden-chartreuse light-reflecting foliage is heart-shaped, sometimes a bit puckered (especially as the plants mature) and extraordinary in their width. A 1997 American Hosta Society award winner (including a first place finish in the 1997 popularity poll), ‘Sum and Substance’ shows good slug resistance and bears many light lavender flowers on arching scapes during the summer months.
Details
Hardiness Zone:
Blossom Color:
Violet to Purple
Growth Habit:
Clump Forming
Max Height:
1½'
Texture:
Recommended Spacing:
We sell this plant in these containers:
Special Characteristics
Features
Stately heart shaped foliage is rich golden-chartreuse-light reflecting and iridescent, sometimes a bit puckered and extraordinary in width. Light lavender hummingbird attracting summerborne flowers.
Landscape Value
Moderate to large scale ground cover, accent, edging, or companion. Super low maintenance, durable, and drought tolerant.
Care
Watering:
`Sum and Substance' Hosta is moderately drought tolerant but benefits from occasional watering, to maintain soil in a moist but not wet condition, during the summer months.
Fertilizing:
`Sum and Substance' Hosta is a moderate feeder, benefiting from a couple of annual applications of slow release fertilizer. A spring application of a 3-1-2 ratio (such as a 15-5-10) can be applied at a rate of about 10 pounds per 1000 square feet, and during early fall, an application of a 2-1-2 ratio (such as a 10-5-10) can be applied to encourage root development and cold hardiness.
Pruning:
`Sum and Substance' Hosta is a deciduous plant (nonevergreen) and does not require pruning. It is perfectly acceptable to allow the dropped leaves to decompose and nourish the soil.