Plantain Lily Sum and Substance

A magnificent hosta, and perhaps the largest of all, Hosta Sum and Substance, is a vigorous, clump-forming, herbaceous perennial grown for its big heart-shaped leaves, which light up a shady spot with a gorgeous splash of Chartreuse. The leaves are up to 20”/50cm long, a shining golden-green above and glaucous blue-grey below. In June and July, the lilac, bell-shaped flowers rise in dense racemes above the foliage. Hostas must have cool, deep, rich, reliably moist, acid to neutral soil to thrive, and also protection from slugs, which will shred their beautiful leaves if given half a chance. Plantain lily Sum and Substance holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit, and also looks lovely in a large container.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich, acid to neutral soil
Position: Partial shade
Flowering period: Summer
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: 3’3” (100cm) Spread: 3’ (90cm)