Key Features

• Growth Habit:
  • Large, clump-forming herbaceous perennial
  • Typically grows 30–36 inches tall and 5–6 feet wide at maturity
  • Forms an impressive cascading mound of oversized foliage
• Bloom Color:
  • Pale lavender to light lilac flowers on tall flower stalks
• Fragrance:
  • Lightly fragrant flowers
• Fruit Flavor:
  • Not grown for edible fruit production
• Culinary Uses:
  • Young hosta shoots are edible and are considered a spring vegetable in parts of Asia, though this variety is primarily grown as an ornamental
• Medicinal & Traditional Uses:
  • Historically used in traditional Asian herbal practices
  • Primarily cultivated today for its outstanding ornamental foliage
• Wildlife Attraction & Pest Resistance:
  • Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators when flowering
  • Moderately deer resistant, though deer may browse young foliage
  • Thick mature leaves offer improved resistance to slugs and snails compared to many hosta varieties
  • Generally resistant to most diseases
• Planting Zones: USDA Zones 3–9
• Sun Preferences:
  • Partial shade to full shade
  • Tolerates morning sun and can handle more sun than many hostas if provided with adequate moisture
• Drought Tolerance:
  • Moderate once established
  • Performs best with consistently moist, well-drained soil
• When to Prune:
  • Remove spent flower stalks after blooming if desired.
  • Cut back yellowed or frost-damaged foliage in late fall after it naturally dies back, or in early spring before new shoots emerge.
  • Remove damaged or diseased leaves throughout the growing season as needed.

Planting Instructions (From a Bareroot into the Ground)

1. Choose the Location

• Select a location with partial to full shade and rich, well-drained soil.
• Ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, under trees, and foundation plantings.

2. Prepare the Soil

• Loosen soil 10–12 inches deep.
• Mix in compost or aged organic matter to improve fertility and moisture retention.

3. Prepare the Bareroot

• Soak the bareroot in clean water for 1–2 hours before planting if it appears dry.
• Inspect the crown and roots, trimming only damaged roots if necessary.

4. Dig the Planting Hole

• Dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots comfortably.
• Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole.

5. Plant the Bareroot

• Position the crown so the growing buds sit at or just slightly below the soil surface.
• Spread the roots evenly over the mound.
• Backfill with soil and gently firm around the roots.

6. Water Thoroughly

• Water deeply after planting.
• Keep the soil evenly moist during the first growing season.

7. Mulch

• Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch around the plant, keeping mulch away from the crown.

8. Spacing

• Space plants 4–6 feet apart to allow room for their impressive mature size.

Overwintering Sum and Substance Hosta

In-Ground Plants

• Fully hardy throughout USDA Zones 3–9.
• Foliage naturally dies back after the first hard frost.
• Leave the crown undisturbed during winter dormancy.

Winter Care Tips

• After foliage dies back, remove dead leaves to discourage slugs and overwintering pests.
• Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch after the ground freezes to help protect the root system.
• Remove excess mulch in early spring as new shoots begin to emerge.

Newly Planted Bareroots

• Keep soil consistently moist during the first growing season while roots establish.
• Plants may take two to three years to reach their full, impressive size.

Container-Grown Plants

• Move containers to a sheltered location during winter.
• Protect roots from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
• Water sparingly during dormancy, allowing the soil to remain only slightly moist.

Sum and Substance Hosta is a legendary giant hosta that delivers spectacular oversized foliage, graceful lavender flowers, and outstanding shade garden performance. Its massive chartreuse leaves, easy-care nature, and exceptional longevity make it one of the finest focal plants for woodland gardens, shaded landscapes, and dramatic perennial borders.