Hosta How About That!

Hosta ‘How About That!’ is a registered very large streaked hosta introduced by Mark Zilis in 2011 as a tissue culture sport of ‘Sum It Up’. While many streaked sports trace back to ‘Sum and Substance’, this cultivar stands apart for its deeper base color and bold contrast, offering a dramatic twist on a familiar look.

The large, rounded leaves have the classic ‘Sum and Substance’ form—smooth, glossy, and slightly pointed—but instead of chartreuse, the foliage emerges deep green with bold white streaks and splashes. The leaves are gently wavy and slightly corrugated, adding texture and movement to the massive clump. Plants reach an impressive 20 inches tall and 45 inches wide, forming a commanding presence in the garden. In mid to late summer, pale lavender flowers appear on tall 39-inch scapes, rising well above the foliage.

Plant Details

Botanical Name: Hosta ‘How About That!’
Registration Status: Registered
Originator: Mark Zilis, 2011
Parentage: ‘Sum It Up’ sport (tissue culture)
Size Category: Very Large
Mature Size: Approximately 20 inches tall x 45 inches wide
Leaf Size: Approximately 14 inches long x 10 inches wide
Vein Pairs: 14–15
Foliage Color: Deep green with white streaking and splashes
Variegation: Streaked, unstable
Leaf Texture: Smooth, glossy, slightly wavy and corrugated
Scape Height: Approximately 39 inches
Flower Color: Pale lavender
Bloom Season: July–August
RH Rating: RH4 (Very Rare – limited availability, not commonly offered)
Primary Interest: Ornamental foliage
Known Sport: ‘Windy City’