H. ‘Sum and Substance’
Hosta ‘Sum and Substance’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by F. Shaw.
| Year registered | 1980 |
|---|---|
| Originator | F. Shaw |
| Registrant | P. Aden |
| Section class | I-3 (Giant) |
Last checked against the AHS registry:
What it looks like
'Sum and Substance' is a giant with solid-colored leaves: chartreuse to gold, with a waxy sheen on top and a heart-shaped base (AHS registry). The Hosta of the Year booklet describes them as "immense, glossy textured, light green to chartreuse to gold". Leaves are recorded at 18 × 15 in with 12 vein pairs. Flower stems are registered at 72 in. The registry gives white flowers from July 18 to August 18 in New York; the booklet says lavender, in August.
Registered size vs. grown size
| Source | Height | Width | Leaf (L × W) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AHS Registry record (1980) | 36 in (91 cm) | 60 in (152 cm) | 18 × 15 in (46 × 38 cm) |
| AHS Hosta of the Year booklet | 31 in (79 cm) | 70 in (178 cm) | — |
The registry gives 60 in across and the booklet 70 in.
Where it fits
A single specimen or the anchor of a large shade bed. The booklet calls it "a unique specimen plant" that "brightens the shady garden".
How it compares
- 'Empress Wu' is even larger in its registry record (50 × 108 in) against 36 × 60 in for 'Sum and Substance', and dark green rather than gold.
- 'Sagae' has a similar grown size in the booklet (31 × 70 in) but is upright and variegated. Pick it if an upright habit and an edged leaf matter more than a single bright color.
- 'Dancing Queen' gives a similar bright yellow with rippled edges; the booklet gives it 18 × 30 in, against 31 × 70 in for 'Sum and Substance'.
Parentage and awards
The registry lists it as a selected seedling, originator F. Shaw, registrant P. Aden; the booklet gives parentage as unknown. The AHS Benedict list notes that the originator is undocumented and that P. Aden is not considered the originator.
- AHGA Hosta of the Year 2004 (booklet; registry comments).
- Benedict Medal for Garden Performance 2015; Award of Merit 2013; Honorable Mention 2012 (AHS Benedict list).
- Listed in every AHS Popularity Poll from 2001 to 2024.
Limits and unknowns
The booklet says "slug resistant" and credits "thick substance"; we have not seen a measured trial. Flower color differs between the two AHS sources. Planting, dividing and watering are covered in our hosta care guide.
Sources
Profile written and checked against the sources above on .
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 36 in (91.4 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 60 in (152.4 cm) |
| Leaf length | 18 in (45.7 cm) |
| Leaf width | 15 in (38.1 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 12 |
| Leaf | waxy sheen on top |
| Flower scape height | 72 in (182.9 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Sum and Substance’ as a parent:
- H. ‘David A. Haskell’ (sport)
- H. ‘Abiqua Recluse’ (seedling (pollen parent))
- H. ‘Academy Ametrine’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Academy Purple Orb’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Academy Soaring Rugosity’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘American Idol’ (sport)
- H. ‘Blizzard’ (sport)
- H. ‘Bottom Line’ (sport)
- H. ‘Bubba’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Buckeye’ (sport)
- H. ‘Caliban’ (sport)
- H. ‘Corona’ (sport)
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (I-3, giant size):
- H. ‘Leo’ (2009)
- H. ‘Frances Williams Baby’ (1980)
- H. ‘Chiquita’ (1979)
- H. ‘Solar Flare’ (1981)
- H. ‘Fragrant Gold’ (1982)
- H. ‘Golden Sculpture’ (1982)
Related guides
Looking for ‘Sum and Substance’ on Amazon
Third-party sellers list this cultivar on Amazon. We have not bought these plants and cannot confirm that what arrives is true to name, so compare the listing photos with the description on this page and check the seller, plant size (bare root, quart or gallon) and shipping season before buying.
Search Amazon for ‘Sum and Substance’ · What to expect from hostas sold on Amazon
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Registration data: AHS Registry #5458. How we check this data.