Hosta of the Year 2004:
Sum & Substance
Hosta are among the most popular of perennials for shady areas, with hundreds
of varieties now readily available. Plants form a sturdy mound of foliage,
topped with airy blooms. Each year the American Hosta Growers Association
selects its Hosta of the Year to recognize hosta plants that are good garden
plants in all regions of the country, are widely available and retail for no
more than $15.00 in the year of selection. Since 1996 they have chosen great
varieties that have exceptionally decorative foliage, showy or fragrant flowers,
and perform well throughout USDA hardiness zones 3-9. Their choice for 2004 is
the always-popular 'Sum & Substance.'
Considered to be one of the finest hostas ever introduced, this extremely
large variety will grow up to 36" high and 80" wide. Introduced in 1980, this
huge chartreuse mound has been at the top of the American Hosta Society's
Popularity Poll several times.
The heavy, deeply veined (creating a "quilted" effect), glossy leaves each
may grow to 18" long by 14" wide and are somewhat resistant to slug damage.
Unlike most other hostas, it actually prefers sun, and develops a golden
yellow color if planted where it receives some direct sunlight.
In mid- to late-summer 'Sum & Substance' produces lavender or pale lilac
flowers on 3-4 foot long scapes held high above the foliage. The scapes have a tendency to
droop as flowering proceeds and can look a bit messy.
This variety is very easy to grow in full or partial shade, but the leaves
will be a brighter golden color the more light it receives. Give it plenty of
room (to accommodate its ultimate size) and a consistently moist soil. Although
it has a relatively rapid growth rate for a large-sized hosta, it will still
take 3 or more years in our climate to attain its full size. The new shoots are
slow to emerge in spring, so be cautious when doing spring clean-up not to
damage them.
'Sum & Substance' can be an imposing plant in the landscape and is an
excellent addition to the shade garden, mixed with other hostas, incorporated
with other perennials, or used as a specimen plant. It makes a wonderful focal
point when set off with bronze and dark green plants. It can also be planted in
containers (large ones, of course).
– Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin
Additional Information:
-
Hosta 'Sum and Substance'
– a single page Great Plant Picks Fact Sheet (pdf)
- American Hosta Society
–
aims to promote, encourage, and foster the development, improvement, and
enjoyment of the genus Hosta with information for everyone from
beginners to long-time hosta-philes.
- The Hosta Library
– a reference library, with photos, discussion forums, and lots of links
related to the genus.
- The Hosta Network – offers 150 hosta varieties through Bishop’s Farms, but also has links to
numerous societies, books and more.
- The Hosta Forum
on Garden Web – offers an opportunity to connect with other hosta lovers.
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