Possibly the largest hosta cultivar, the foliage of Sum & Substance emerges light green in spring, then progresses to chartreuse, and then gold in fall. It was named Hosta of the Year for 2004 by the American Hosta Growers Association. Sum & Substance is often used in hosta hybridizing programs.

Hostas are shade tolerant, easy to grow, and long lived. Although they produce flowers held high above the foliage on long stalks called scapes, they are grown primarily for their foliage and neat habit. Hostas are actively hybridized for leaf color, size, shape, and texture; natural mutations or “sports” are also common and new introductions abound. Hosta cultivars range in size from several inches to several feet; it may take 3 to 8 years for hostas to reach their full size. They all prefer moist, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. Some leaf damage by slugs is to be expected, and deer find hosta delicious.

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