H. ‘Summa Cum Laude’

Overview

Registered in 2006 as a sport of *Hosta* 'Sum and Substance', 'Summa Cum Laude' is a giant-sized cultivar distinguished by its blue-green leaves with pale yellow margins. Unlike many sports of its parent, this cultivar displays its variegation immediately upon emergence rather than developing it later in the season.

In the Garden

With a mature spread of 66 inches (168 cm) and height of 20 inches (51 cm), 'Summa Cum Laude' forms a substantial mound suitable for use as a specimen or in the middle to back of a shaded border. Its large, nearly round leaves—14 inches (36 cm) long and 13 inches (33 cm) wide—feature 13 to 15 vein pairs, a lightly corrugated surface, and a glaucous bloom on the undersides. The scapes reach 36 to 40 inches (91 to 102 cm) and bear light green flowers in midsummer. This cultivar performs best in partial to full shade and pairs well with ferns, *Heuchera*, and other shade-tolerant perennials.

Care Notes

Provide consistent moisture, particularly during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. As with most hostas, protection from deer and slugs may be necessary in garden settings.