The Ultimate Guide to Growing Sum and Substance Hosta: Tips for Spectacular Results

Hey garden lovers! Today I’m super excited to share everything I know about caring for one of my absolute favorite hostas – the magnificent Sum and Substance. After growing these beauties in my garden for years I’ve learned all the tricks to help them reach their full potential. Let me tell you, when grown right, these plants are truly show-stopping!

What Makes Sum and Substance Hosta Special?

Before we dive into care tips, let’s talk about why this hosta variety is so amazing:

• Massive leaves reaching up to 28 inches long and 24 inches wide
• Stunning chartreuse-yellow foliage that brightens shady spots
• Impressive mature size – up to 6 feet wide and 3 feet tall
• Beautiful pale lavender flowers on tall scapes in late summer
• More sun-tolerant than many other hostas
• Early spring emergence for extended seasonal interest

Essential Growing Requirements

Light Conditions

Sum and Substance is actually more sun-tolerant than most hostas but here’s what works best

• Partial to full shade in most climates
• Morning sun is okay (and can enhance leaf color!)
• Avoid hot afternoon sun – it’ll scorch those beautiful leaves
• More shade needed in hotter southern regions

Soil Needs

• Rich, well-draining soil
• pH between 6.5-7.5
• Consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Add plenty of organic matter when planting

Planting Your Sum and Substance

Here’s my step-by-step guide for getting these beauties established:

1. Best Planting Times

   • Early spring
   • Early fall
   • Avoid planting during summer heat waves

2. Planting Process:

   • Dig hole twice as wide as root ball
   • Plant at same depth as nursery container
   • Space plants 5 feet apart (they get huge!)
   • Water deeply after planting
   • Add 2-3 inches of mulch

Ongoing Care Tips

Watering Schedule

These big boys are thirsty! Here’s what I’ve found works:

• Deep watering 1-2 times weekly
• More frequent during heat waves
• Water at soil level (avoid leaves)
• Morning watering is best

Fertilizing

For optimal growth:

• Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring
• Feed every 4-6 weeks during growing season
• Stop fertilizing by late August

Maintenance Tasks

• Remove spent flower stalks
• Clean up damaged leaves
• Cut back foliage after first frost
• Divide every 3-5 years if needed

Common Problems and Solutions

Pest Control

Keep an eye out for:

1. Slugs & Snails:

   • Use beer traps
   • Copper tape barriers
   • Iron phosphate bait

2. Deer:

   • Physical barriers
   • Deer repellent sprays
   • Plant protective companion plants

Disease Prevention

• Ensure good air circulation
• Avoid overhead watering
• Remove infected leaves promptly
• Use fungicide if needed

Landscape Design Ideas

I love using Sum and Substance as:

• Dramatic focal points
• Mass plantings for ground cover
• Container specimens
• Woodland garden anchors
• Paired with contrasting plants like:
  • Dark-leaved heuchera
  • Japanese forest grass
  • Blue hostas
  • Astilbe

Winter Care

Even though these hostas are tough, I always:

• Cut back dead foliage
• Apply winter mulch
• Keep soil slightly moist
• Remove mulch in spring

My Personal Tips for Success

After years of growing these giants, here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Don’t skimp on spacing – they need room!
2. Be patient – they take 3-4 years to reach full size
3. Morning sun really does enhance the leaf color
4. Regular division isn’t necessary unless you want more plants
5. They’re more drought-tolerant than you’d think once established

There ya have it, friends! Everything you need to know about growing these amazing hostas. Trust me, once you get the hang of their basic needs, Sum and Substance hostas are pretty easy to grow and will reward you with years of spectacular garden presence.

Got questions about growing Sum and Substance hostas? Drop ’em in the comments below – I’d love to help!

Happy gardening!