The Sum and Substance Hosta, a staple hardy perennial for the shade garden

About The Sum and Substance Hosta

Why plant the Sum and Substance Hosta? For most gardeners it is the fact that this hosta is slug and snail resistant. That's a big deal if this perennial is one of your favorites.

Another reason could be that the quilted leaves remain a perfect heart shape with puckered edging throughout the entire summer. If allowed a bit of sunlight, the leaves reward you with an intense chartreuse green coloring. In the fall the leaves turn to a yellow.

Also, what sets the Sum and Substance apart from other varieties is the soft lavender flowers that sit on 50" scapes. While not grown for the blooms, it does produce bell shaped flowers in mid to late season.

How To Grow The Sum and Substance Hosta

Given that this variety was named Hosta of the year by in 2004 by the American Hosta Growers Association, I would bet that almost every shade garden has at least one planted.

While every tag indicates that that this perennial requires part shade to shade, I am also told that it does survive in sunlight. I have not tried this as of yet.

Plant in well drained soil and keep evenly moist. Do not over water. In fact, once established, this shade perennial can withstand some dryness.

Besides growing this low maintenance perennial in shade flowerbeds, try planting them in mass, in a woodland setting, as an accent plant or in containers. They can be easily divided in the fall or spring. One warning: it can grow quite large, from 29" to 40" tall and can spread 60" to 70" wide. Oh yes, rabbits do not like this perennial.

Great companions: various Hostas or various varieties of Coleus, or Astilbe varieties. Another nice contrast shade perennial would be the Ajuga or the Sedum Angelina.

Check out my Site Index Page for a listing of additional annuals and perennials to plant in your flower garden design.

Sum and Substance Features

• grows 29" to 35" tall
• spreads up to 70"wide
• vigorous grower
• lavender flowers from July to August
• shade conditions but does require some sun to enhance its golden color
• slug and snail resistant
• rabbit resistant
• prefers well drained soil
• keep soil evenly moist

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