Plantain Lily

About this plant

Hosta 'Sum and Substance' lives up to its name, forming a magnificent clump of remarkably large, deeply veined, and slightly corrugated leaves. The foliage emerges a vibrant chartreuse, maturing to a rich golden hue in brighter light, creating a stunning focal point in any shaded landscape. Its robust growth habit and impressive size make it an ideal specimen plant or a dramatic backdrop for smaller shade-loving perennials. In late summer, sturdy scapes rise above the foliage, bearing delicate lavender flowers that add an unexpected touch of grace to its otherwise bold presence. This classic Hosta is renowned for its vigor and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, making it a reliable and rewarding choice for seasoned gardeners and beginners alike. Its striking texture and color provide year-round interest in milder climates and act as an anchoring presence in mixed borders or woodland gardens. Imagine it underplanting tall trees or adding a luminous glow to a shaded patio container.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Hostas are generally low-maintenance plants. Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells, and enrich the soil with organic matter. Divide clumps every 3-5 years in spring to maintain vigor and size. Protect from slugs and snails.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.