H. ‘Sum It Up’

Overview

Registered in 1999 as a sport of an unnamed parent, *Hosta* 'Sum It Up' is a giant cultivar distinguished by its large, blue-green leaves with greenish-yellow margins. The foliage measures up to 16 inches long and 12 inches wide, with 16 to 17 pairs of veins, a cordate base, and a slightly rippled margin; the leaf surface is slightly shiny above with a glaucous bloom beneath.

In the Garden

Reaching a mature diameter of 80 inches and a height of 32 inches, 'Sum It Up' forms a dense, mound-like clump with a moderate growth rate. It performs best in partial to full shade, where its blue-green coloration is most pronounced, and pairs well with ferns, heucheras, or other shade-tolerant perennials. Its substantial size makes it suitable as a specimen or background plant in woodland gardens and large borders.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like most hostas, this cultivar is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so protective measures may be necessary in areas where these pests are prevalent.