First Giant Hosta (Sum and Substance)

[canadianplant]

At first I avoided Hosta because they are really over used here. Most can take full sun for most of the day, but they obviously last longer in shade.

After hearing of the rave reveiws of 2 big hosta (sum and substance and empres wu), I decided to try and get either or both. Unfortunately, the places I get plants dont always have the best selection. 2 years later (yesterday), I walk into Superstore, check out their selection, and walk out the back end of the garden center to see a random wrapped pallet. I walk up, and BAM... a whole flat of "Sum and Substance" one gallon pots for 6 bucks.

The care seems liek general Hosta care, moist (not wet) fertile soil. The one thing that seemed to stand out is that some places seem to recommend giving it full on, morning to noon sun. It was also described as "liking more sun then most other Hosta". The tag, and most nurseries online say "full to partial sun".

I remember some people here growing this type. What conditions are your plants growing in? How long to upsize?

[Paul Ont]

Jesse- 3 years until it will make the large leaves that are charasteristic of this cultivar. I have 2nd year Empress Wu that are still TINY. Probably will have to wait another 2 years before they are worthwhile!

In Hosta news (agreed, overused, BUUUT they are still extremely useful and the large forms are excellent plants), I have had one of my variegated ones 'sport' into a form with very little chlorophyll, almost like 'White feather' but with perhaps more chlorophyll toward the middle of the leaf. Interesting, has anyone else had this happen?

[hardyjim]

My Wu was in a sunnier spot last year but is planted in the shade now...

I think most shade loving plants like morning sun at most.

[Godfryd]

A few weeks ago I bought Hosta Sum and Substance - and planted into shade area. It's a young plant and has small leaves. So my experience with that plant isn't too big.

[canadianplant]

Paul - Thanks. Im going to plant it in "triple mix" to give it a boost. Ive never seen hosta sport, but I also havnt grown them untill this year! I agree when you say the large types of hosta are intersting. They are starting to gain my acceptance Hortico had "empress wu" last time I checked!


Jim - Thats what I was thinking too.

Godfryd - Thats what mine look like, just a slightly bigger pot. I hope it grows good for ya!