Use & Care NotesCompanion Plants
Royal Standard Hosta: The Classic Fragrant, Sun-Tough Hosta
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Royal Standard hosta has been a garden standard since 1986, and the name fits. A cross of the fragrant August lily with another hosta species, it builds very large mounds, about 26 inches tall and more than 5 feet wide, of glossy, wavy, bright green leaves. In August, scapes 35 to 40 inches tall carry white trumpets with a sweet, lily-like scent that is strongest in the evening.
Royal Standard at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Hosta 'Royal Standard' |
| Foliage | Glossy bright green, wavy, pointed |
| Flowers | White, fragrant trumpets on scapes 35 to 40 inches tall |
| Size | About 26 inches tall and 63 inches wide |
| Bloom | Early to mid-August |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 3 to 9 |
| Light | Full shade to morning sun, or full sun with steady moisture |
| Wildlife | Great for pollinators; deer find it tasty |
The hosta for the in-between spots
Every property has awkward spots that get a few hours of sun but stay too moist for lavender: the strip along a driveway shaded by the house in the afternoon, the edge of a lawn under young trees. Royal Standard handles those better than nearly any other hosta, thanks to its August lily parent. It is a practical way to dress the transitions between your sunny lavender beds and the true shade garden.
It is still not a lavender bed-mate. Its soil should be rich in organic matter and evenly moist, so plant it in a separate bed with daylilies, astilbe or ferns. Plan the whole property in the Companion Plant Planner.
Mass planting and edging a walk
Because each plant spreads over 5 feet, a few go a long way. Space them about 4 to 5 feet apart along a walk or drive and within a few seasons you will have a continuous ribbon of glossy green, with a line of fragrant white flowers in August. It is a dependable choice for anyone who wants a lot of coverage with very little fuss.
Care through the year
- Planting: set the dormant bare root crown at the soil surface in spring and water deeply.
- Water: keep the soil moist, especially in full sun, to prevent leaf scorch.
- Slugs: they will chew holes in the leaves in wet seasons; good airflow and fall cleanup help.
- After bloom: cut the spent scapes.
- Fall: cut the large leaves down after a hard frost, without piling wet mulch on the crown.
- Dividing: split in early spring if the clump gets crowded.
Frequently asked questions
How is Royal Standard different from other fragrant hostas?
It is the classic one: very large, very dependable and especially tolerant of sun and dry spells. Newer fragrant types may have thicker leaves, but few match its toughness.
Are the flowers good for cutting?
Yes. They rate good as cut flowers and bring their evening fragrance indoors.
Is it safe around pets?
Hosta foliage is listed as toxic to dogs and cats.
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