Hosta 'Sum And Substance'

Hosta, Plantain Lily, Sum And Substance Plantain Lily

Hosta 'Sum and Substance' — a giant hosta prized for its enormous chartreuse to golden-yellow leaves and bold architectural presence. The broad, thick, slightly glossy foliage forms a massive mound, with color becoming richer gold when grown with some morning sun. Pale lavender to nearly white flowers rise on tall stems in midsummer, though the dramatic foliage remains the main ornamental feature.

Type: Perennial

Mature Size:
Width: 5–6 ft
Height: 30–36 in (to ~48 in in flower)

USDA Zones: 3a–8b

Form: Giant, broad mounded clump

Light: Partial shade to full shade; morning sun deepens gold color

Soil: Moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter

Water: Moderate; prefers evenly moist soil

Wildlife: Attracts hummingbirds and bees

Features & Landscape Uses:
One of the largest and most dramatic hostas for woodland gardens, specimen planting, large shade borders, and focal points. Its huge leaves create bold contrast with finer-textured ferns, smaller hostas, and shade perennials. Thick foliage offers very good slug resistance.

Care:
Provide rich soil and consistent moisture for best size and color. Morning sun enhances gold tones, but avoid strong afternoon heat in hotter climates. Allow ample room for mature spread. Remove spent flower stalks after bloom and clean old foliage in early spring. 🌿

Plant type

Perennial

Height

30-36''

Width

5-6'

Hardiness zones

3–8

Sunlight

Full Shade, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Mid Summer

Flower color

Lavender

Leaf color

Olive Drab

Fall color

Chartreuse, Gold

Attracts

Bees, Hummingbirds

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Border, Container, Mass Planting, Specimen

Shape

Broad, Clump, Rounded

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No