Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

299 other cultivars

perennial

Hosta Sum it Up

Hosta x hybrida 'Sum it Up'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hosta x hybrida 'Sum it Up' is a deciduous perennial known for its lush, broad, and ovate foliage with variegated cream and green margins. It produces tall, flower stalks with lavender to purple trumpet-shaped flowers in summer.

This cultivar is distinguished by its vibrant variegation that remains striking throughout the growing season, making it a popular choice for shaded garden borders and containers.

Uses & Benefits:

Hosta Sum it Up offers lush foliage with variegated leaves, adding texture and color to shaded garden areas.

Its drought-tolerant nature makes it a low-maintenance choice for shaded landscapes.

Provides shelter for beneficial insects and habitat for small garden wildlife.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

12 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic to pets

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck hosta rhizomes into well-drained, shaded garden beds.
Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil moist.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or fall.
Remove dead foliage in late fall for tidiness.

Pro Tip

Plant in shaded areas with rich, moist soil for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 🌱
Apply mulch to conserve soil moisture
Divide clumps every few years for vigorous growth

Don't

Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
Don't let soil dry out completely
Refrain from over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderSilvery foliage accent in shady gardensContainer plant for shaded patios

Companion Plants

Ferns Astilbe HeucheraJapanese painted fern Ligularia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hosta Sum it Up questions

What zones can Hosta Sum it Up grow in?

Hosta Sum it Up is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Hosta Sum it Up deer resistant?

Yes — Hosta Sum it Up is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Hosta Sum it Up bloom?

Hosta Sum it Up typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Hosta Sum it Up need full sun?

Hosta Sum it Up does best in part shade.