The Sum and Substance hosta is a standout among hostas for its grandeur. But how big can it get? Let's explore the impressive size potential of this captivating plant and its growth habits.
Introduction to Sum and Substance Hostas
The Sum and Substance Hosta is a standout in the Hosta family, known for its large size and eye-catching look. Its heart-shaped leaves are golden-chartreuse and can grow up to 14 inches wide. As they age, these leaves become more puckered. The plant's pale lavender flowers appear on tall stems in mid to late summer, enhancing its beauty.
This hosta is famous for its giant size. It can grow up to 20 inches tall, with leaves reaching up to 2 feet wide. Over time, clumps of this hosta can spread out to 6 feet wide or even wider than 9 feet.
Gardeners love the Sum and Substance Hosta for its big size and many good qualities. In 2004, it was named the "Hosta of the Year" by the American Hosta Growers Association. It can handle up to 4-6 hours of sunlight a day and is resistant to slugs because of its thick leaves.
This plant is great for attracting pollinators. It's listed as a Butterfly Attracting Plant, Hummingbird Plant, and Pollinator Plant. Its summer flowers draw bees, adding to its value in the garden.
The Sum and Substance Hosta is known worldwide for its size and growth. In the UK, it got the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. This shows it's loved globally and grows well in many places.
Sum and Substance Hosta
The Sum and Substance Hosta is a standout in the Hosta family, known for its large size and bright leaves. It can grow up to 2-3 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide, making it a giant among shade-loving plants. The leaves are heart-shaped and a beautiful golden-chartreuse color, turning more puckered as they age.
Introduced in 1980, the Sum and Substance Hosta is a top choice among gardeners. It thrives in various soils, especially in Ballyrobert. In mid to late summer, it produces pale lavender flowers on tall stems.
This Hosta was named the 2004 American Hosta Growers Hosta of the Year. It's a herbaceous perennial with green, yellow, and purple leaves. Its clumping habit looks great with Cornus, ferns, and allium.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Ultimate height | 0.5–1 meters |
| Time to ultimate height | 2–5 years |
| Ultimate spread | 0.5–1 meters |
| Stem colors | Green, Yellow |
| Flower colors in Summer | Purple, Green, Yellow |
| Exposure | Sheltered |
| Hardiness ratings for UK growing conditions |
|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Name status | Accepted |
Mature Size and Growth Habits
The Sum and Substance Hosta is known for its large size and growth. According to McKay Nursery, it can grow 2-3 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide. This makes it a giant among shade-loving plants.
The leaves of the Sum and Substance Hosta can get up to 14 inches wide. They become more puckered as the plant grows.
This hosta may take a few years to reach its full size because it's an extra-large variety. PlantingTree says its big size and bold leaves make it a standout in shady gardens. The plant's pale lavender flowers add to its beauty, appearing in mid to late summer.
The 'Sum & Substance' hosta was named the 2004 American Hosta Growers Hosta of the Year. This shows its popularity and recognition in the gardening world. With its large size and beautiful growth, the Sum and Substance Hosta is a true showstopper. It can turn any shaded area into a lush, vibrant oasis.
Planting and Care Requirements
Proper planting and care are key for the Sum and Substance Hosta to grow well. Experts say hostas love rich, moist soil. Adding decayed manure or compost before planting helps a lot. They do best in partial to full shade, especially with morning sun to keep their leaves golden-chartreuse.
When planting a how to plant sum and substance hosta, make sure to water them often for the first 6 weeks. This helps them get their roots strong. After that, they can get by with less water, depending on the rain.
For caring for giant hosta varieties, like the Sum and Substance, remember they can get quite big. They can reach up to 4 feet tall and 6 feet wide. To keep them healthy, divide them every 3-5 years to stop them from getting too crowded. With the right care, the Sum and Substance Hosta will be a beautiful, easy-care addition to your garden for years.
Maximizing Growth Potential
To help the Sum and Substance Hosta grow well, gardeners should know the best ways to care for it. Experts say hostas do best in soil rich with nutrients and that holds moisture well. Adding decayed manure or compost helps a lot. They also need the right amount of sunlight, preferring partial to full shade, especially morning sun to keep their leaves golden-chartreuse.
When planting hostas, water them often for the first six weeks to help their roots grow strong. After that, they can get less water, depending on the rain. Keeping the area around them clean by removing dead flowers and tidying up helps them grow big. They can get up to 2-3 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide.
To make how to grow sum and substance hosta plants bigger, follow these tips for larger hosta plants and hosta cultivation best practices:
- Plant hostas in rich, moisture-retentive soil amended with decayed manure or compost
- Provide partial shade to full shade conditions, with morning sun to maintain leaf color
- Water newly planted hostas regularly for the first 6 weeks to establish their root system
- Remove spent flower stalks and tidy up foliage to promote continued growth
| Hosta Variety | Mature Height | Mature Width |
|---|---|---|
| Empress Wu | 4.5 feet | 4 feet |
| Sum and Substance | 2-3 feet | 5-6 feet |
| Blue Angel | 4 feet | 4 feet |
| Krossa Regal | 3 feet | 3 feet |
By using these hosta cultivation best practices, gardeners can help Sum and Substance Hosta and other big hostas grow well. This makes for a beautiful, lush garden.
Conclusion
The Sum and Substance Hosta is a standout among shade-loving perennials. It's known for its big size and eye-catching look. This hosta can take years to grow fully, reaching 2-3 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide. Its leaves can be up to 14 inches wide and become more puckered as they grow.
The plant's golden-chartreuse leaves and pale lavender flowers make it a garden highlight. By planting it in rich, moist soil and giving it the right sunlight, gardeners can help it grow well. It's perfect as a centerpiece or in a shaded border.
This hosta is big, vibrant, and easy to care for. It shows the beauty and variety of hostas. For gardeners looking for a bold shade plant, this variety is a great choice.
