Hosta Sum and Substance (Plantain Lily)

One of the largest hostas, Hosta 'Sum and Substance' (Plantain Lily) is a perennial forming a spreading mound of thick, broadly heart-shaped, light green leaves, up to 20 in. long (50 cm), turning chartreuse to gold depending on sun exposure. Shiny above and thinly glaucous below, the lush foliage provides color and texture to the landscape. Dense racemes of bell-shaped, fragrant, pale lavender flowers appear in summer, rising on scapes 44 in. tall (110 cm). 'Sum and Substance' is supposedly the most slug resistant of all the hostas, due to its waxy leaves. It is also a very eye-catching hosta for specimen planting with its gigantic, tropical-looking, paddle-shaped leaves.

• Recipient of multiple awards, including the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society and the American Hosta Growers 2004 Hosta of the Year award.
• Easy grower, Hosta 'Sum and Substance' grows 36 in. tall (90 cm) and spreads over time to 60 in. (150 cm).
• Performs best in full sun to part shade in fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates sun most of the day in cooler climates. In warmer climates, site in morning sun and provide plenty of moisture. Shelter from cold, dry winds.
• Perfect for the shade garden, mixed with other perennials in bed and borders, city gardens, cottage gardens or containers. Great as a groundcover or underplanting shrubs and roses.
• Watch for slugs and snails which could damage the attractive foliage.
• Cut off the stems after blooming to encourage the plant's growth. Discolored leaves should be trimmed back to the ground.
• Propagate by division in early spring or late summer.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.