• Giant
  • Perennial
  • Zones 3–9
  • Lavender
  • Single

Sum and Substance

Perennial giant hosta in lavender, blooming in midsummer and late summer. Pale lavender bell-shaped flowers on arching scapes up to about 48 inches. USDA zones 3–9.

Cross-referenced · 4 sources

Where to buy

1 / 2

Leaves of Sum and Substance hosta up close
Leaves of Sum and Substance hosta up close

2 / 2

A Sum and Substance hosta clump growing in a shade garden
A Sum and Substance hosta clump growing in a shade garden

At a glance

Flower form
Giant Single
Colors
  • Lavender
Blooms
Midsummer, Late summer
Vase life
Not grown for cutting
Height
3 ft (91 cm) Spread: 5–6 ft (152–183 cm)
Sunlight
Full sun, Part sun, Part shade
Hardiness
USDA zones 3–9 Perennial
Planted as
Plant
Botanical name
Hosta hybrid

In the garden

  • Hummingbirds
  • Frequently severely damaged by deer (Rutgers rating)
  • RHS Award of Garden Merit

Find your frost dates and zone by ZIP code

Origin

Tetraploid hybrid by F. Shaw and P. Aden (1980); American Hosta Growers Association Hosta of the Year 2004 and AHS Benedict Garden Performance Medal 2015.

Bred by F. Shaw, P. Aden, 1980

Sources

Where to buy

Prices rechecked daily
  • NH HostasLive plant

    35mm Starter Plug

    Check availability

    $6.00Checked Oct 14, 2026
  • Spring Hill NurseryLive plant

    Pack size not listed

    Check availability

    $9.99Checked Oct 14, 2026
  • Breck'sLive plant

    1 Root | Ships in Fall

    Check availability

    $13.49Checked Oct 14, 2026
  • DutchGrownLive plant

    6

    Check availability

    $15.75Checked Oct 14, 2026
  • Plant Delights NurseryLive plant

    Pack size not listed

    Check availability

    $29.00Checked Oct 14, 2026
  • Nature Hills NurseryLive plant

    #1 Container

    Check availability

    $29.67Checked Oct 14, 2026
  • Garden Goods DirectLive plant

    1 Gallon Pot

    Check availability

    $36.95Checked Oct 14, 2026

We may earn a commission when you buy through these links. Your price stays the same. Prices checked Oct 14, 2026.

All photos

  • Leaves of Sum and Substance hosta up close
    Leaves of Sum and Substance hosta up close
  • A Sum and Substance hosta clump growing in a shade garden
    A Sum and Substance hosta clump growing in a shade garden

Questions

Is Sum and Substance hardy in my zone?

Sum and Substance survives winter in the ground in USDA zones 3 to 9. In colder zones treat it as an annual or lift it before the ground freezes.

Does Sum and Substance need full sun?

Sum and Substance grows in full sun, part sun, or part shade.

When does Sum and Substance bloom?

Sum and Substance blooms in midsummer and late summer.

Is Sum and Substance good for cutting?

Our sources don't list Sum and Substance as a cut flower or give a vase life for it.

See also

See all →
Leaves of Blue Angel hosta up close Blue Angel Giant blue-green hosta forming a 3 by 4 foot mound, with pale lavender to white summer flowers. GiantMidsummerTall
Leaves of Blue Hawaii hosta up close Blue Hawaii Vase-shaped hosta with large, heart-shaped, powdery blue leaves and pale lavender summer flowers. GiantEarly summerTall
Leaves of Earth Angel hosta up close Earth Angel Large to giant hosta with blue-green heart-shaped leaves and wide creamy white margins. GiantMidsummerTall
Leaves of Empress Wu hosta up close Empress Wu Giant hosta with huge, deeply veined dark green leaves forming a clump 3 to 4 feet tall. GiantEarly summerTall

Same colors

See all →
Leaves of August Moon hosta up close August Moon Gold-leaved hosta with seersuckered leaves in a 20 to 24 inch mound and pale lavender to white flowers. LargeLate summerMedium height
Leaves of Autumn Frost hosta up close Autumn Frost Sport of First Frost with blue leaves and extra wide yellow to cream margins in a 12 inch mound. MediumMidsummerMedium height
Leaves of Blue Cadet hosta up close Blue Cadet Compact hosta with heart-shaped blue leaves in a round 12 inch clump and lavender flowers. SmallLate springMedium height
Leaves of Blue Mouse Ears hosta up close Blue Mouse Ears Miniature hosta with thick, round blue-green leaves in a symmetrical 8 inch mound. MiniMidsummerCompact

Latest guides

View all guides →
Annuals vs perennials: which flowers come back Annuals vs perennials: which flowers come back 8 min read Cut flower garden: what to grow and when to cut it Cut flower garden: what to grow and when to cut it 8 min read Flowers toxic to cats: tulips, lilies, sunflowers and more Flowers toxic to cats: tulips, lilies, sunflowers and more 7 min read How to grow sunflowers from seed (and how tall they get) How to grow sunflowers from seed (and how tall they get) 8 min read