A Towering Dark Giant with Mirror-Bright Leaves
Walters Gardens registered Hosta 'Vim and Vigor' in 2000 as a sport of 'Sum and Substance'. It inherits its parent's massive scale but produces dark green foliage with a very shiny upper surface. The broadly ovate leaves carry 17–18 vein pairs and reach up to 38.7 cm (15") in length. It grows fast and reliably across Canadian hardiness zones 3–9. Use it as a commanding specimen anchor in large shaded borders or woodland gardens.
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Mirror-Bright Upper Surface: The dark green leaves are very shiny on top and dull underneath, creating a striking two-sided contrast that catches every shift in dappled light.
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Exceptional Leaf Architecture: With 17–18 vein pairs and leaves up to 38.7 cm × 31.8 cm (15" × 12.5"), the foliage has a bold, sculptural presence unmatched by most hostas.
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Towering Scapes: Flower scapes rise 122–152 cm (48–60") above the mound — among the tallest in the genus — bearing pale lavender tubular flowers up to 7.6 cm (3") long.
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Fast-Growing Giant: One of the fastest-growing large hostas available, establishing a commanding mound of 86 cm (34") high by 122 cm (48") wide in relatively few seasons.
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Sum and Substance Heritage: Inherits the legendary vigour and architectural scale of its famous parent while offering a distinctly dark, glossy foliage character.
| Feature |
Specification |
| Size (H × W) |
86 cm × 122 cm (34" × 48") |
| Hardiness Zone |
3–9 |
| Colour |
Dark green, very shiny upper surface; pale lavender flowers |
| Light Requirements |
Partial to full shade |
Grower's Tip: Allow generous space — this fast-growing giant reaches over 120 cm (48") across and needs room to display its full architectural scale. At our Bécancour, QC trial fields, we verify the signature dark green sheen and vigorous emergence before every plant ships True to Type.
