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Sum and Substance Plantain Lily (Hosta 'Sum and Substance') - 1 gallon -Ship Only

Sum and Substance Plantain Lily (Hosta 'Sum and Substance') - 1 gallon -Ship Only

Plant Return Policy & Shipping Details +

Some of the plants you'll find here reach beyond what we grow and keep on hand at the garden center — they ship straight to your door from a network of growers we trust. Because these items never come through Pandy's Garden Center, they can't be picked up, returned, or exchanged in store, and all online plant orders are final sale.

If your order shows up damaged, send us photos of the plant and the packaging within 48 hours of delivery. Once we've had a look, we'll arrange a replacement wherever possible.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Orders leave from a separate facility and may arrive on their own schedule
  • Online plant purchases don't carry any warranty or guarantee
  • How a plant does once it's home depends on the care and conditions you give it
  • Prices online may differ from what you'll find in store

For order support, contact Michael Pandy — michael@pandysgardencenter.com

✓ Ships directly to your home
✓ Free Shipping — included in the plant price, prior to tax
✓ Online exclusive — delivered to your door
All sales final — this order can't be cancelled or returned. If your plant arrives with an issue, contact us within 48 hours. See Plant Return Policy & Shipping Details above for how.
⚠ Shipping Restriction Unfortunately, we're unable to ship this plant to: Hawaii, Idaho, and Montana.

Plant Details

Size
1 Gallon
Attributes
Naturalizing, Rock Garden, Roof Garden, Tolerates Clay, Urban Tolerant
Exposure
Part Shade, Shade
Features
Summer flowering
Habit
Mounded
Height
30-36"
Soil
Average, Moist
Width
30-36"
Zone
3–9
$27.99

Description

The Sum and Substance Plantain Lily, or Hosta 'Sum And Substance', is a remarkable perennial that brings both beauty and practicality to your garden. Known for its large, vibrant leaves that range from chartreuse to gold, this Hosta is an eye-catching addition to any shaded area, transforming it with its lush, tropical appearance. Growing up to 3 feet tall and spreading 5 to 6 feet wide, this plant is perfect for creating a bold statement in your garden. Its thick, heart-shaped leaves not only offer a stunning visual appeal but also provide a natural defense against slugs, ensuring your plant remains healthy and vibrant. In mid-summer, enjoy the added beauty of pale lavender flowers that rise above the foliage, attracting pollinators and adding a touch of elegance. Caring for the Sum and Substance Hosta is straightforward; it thrives in partial to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Its robust nature makes it an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in less sunny spots. This Hosta is not only a beautiful addition to your garden but also a functional one, as it forms a dense ground cover that helps suppress weeds. Whether you're looking to enhance your garden's aesthetic or need a reliable plant for shaded areas, the Sum and Substance Hosta offers a perfect solution. Its ease of care and stunning appearance make it a favorite among gardeners of all experience levels.
⭐ Earn 27 points on this plant — collect 100 points for a $5 reward.

Will this grow in my area?

This plant is hardy in Zones 3–9–3–9. Enter your ZIP to check your zone.

47 in stock

Quantity
🌱 Successful Planting Instructions
Proper planting depth — plant 2–3" higher than grade, trunk flare exposed

1. Dig a hole 1½–2× the width of your plant's root ball. Set the soil to the side.

2. Mix your backfill — Pine Bark Soil Conditioner, Compost & Native Soil (1/3 of each) in a wheelbarrow or on the ground.

3. Plant it high — when backfilling, keep the plant 2–3" higher than the surrounding soil (as shown). Plant flush with the soil if in a raised bed.

4. Mulch the top of the soil 2–3" deep around the plant — keep mulch away from the main trunk.

5. Feed as you plant with Holly-tone for acid-loving plants.

The 1/3 backfill blend:

🟤
1/3Native Soil
🪵
1/3Pine Bark Soil Conditioner
🍂
1/3Compost
Soil conditioner, compost, Holly-tone & cedar mulch are available in-store or for local pickup at our Elyria Garden Center — these items don't ship but you can find at local store near you.
✕Pickup is not available for this item — it ships free to your door.
💧 Watering Guide

Over- and under-watering is the #1 cause of plant death — so always check the soil before you water.

How to check — the wire/screwdriver test. Straighten a wire or coat hanger, push it 6–12" into the soil next to the plant, pull it out, and read it:
  • Clear or dusty → water the plant
  • Muddy → soil is too wet
  • Moist with a little soil clinging to it → watered just right ✓
  • Won't go in → water immediately

Newly planted trees & shrubs — keep the soil moist their first season and never let it dry out. Water slowly at the base (hose ~6" from the trunk, pencil-thin stream):

  • Shrubs — 3 min
  • Ornamentals (flowering crab, etc.) — 10 min
  • Evergreens (6') — 15 min
  • Deciduous (2½" caliper) — 15 min (+15 min per extra inch)

Using a Gator Bag? Fill it every 3 days.

How often (OHIO Weather) (new plantings):

  • Apr 15 – May 15: once a week
  • May 16 – Sept 15: twice a week
  • Sept 16 – Oct 31: once a week
  • Mid-Nov – early Dec: once, if the ground isn't frozen
Already established? Most of the time, rooted-in plants only need water during a drought — when it's gone 10–14 days without an inch of rain.
Read the full Watering Guide →
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