Royal Standard is a classic fragrant hosta, a cross of the August lily with another species. It builds very large mounds of glossy, wavy, pointed green leaves and tolerates more sun and dry weather than most hostas.
In late summer, white flowers open on 35 to 40-inch scapes, with a sweet scent that is strongest in the evening. The mound reaches about 26 inches tall and more than 5 feet wide. It is dependable for mass planting, lining a walk, or anywhere the fragrance can be enjoyed.
What it looks like
Large, pointed, oval leaves in bright green with a glossy surface and wavy edges, arching outward from the crown. The plant forms a very large, broad mound about 26 inches tall and 63 inches wide. In late summer, scapes 35 to 40 inches tall carry white, trumpet-shaped flowers well above the foliage. Leaves have visible parallel veining and a slightly lighter green tone than most hostas. At peak the white flower spikes rise over a wide sea of shiny green leaves.
Growing it with lavender
Even though it handles some sun, it still wants richer, moister soil than lavender, so plant it in a separate bed with daylilies, astilbe or ferns rather than in a dry lavender border.
Care
Takes more sun than most hostas, from full shade to morning sun or even full sun in cooler climates, as long as the soil stays evenly moist and rich in organic matter. Hardy in zones 3-9. Water well in hot, dry weather, remove spent scapes, and divide in early spring if the clump gets crowded.
At a glance
-
Botanical name: Hosta
-
Flower color: White, fragrant
-
Foliage: Glossy bright green
-
Growth habit: Very large mound
-
Mature size: 26 in tall × 63 in wide
-
USDA hardiness zones: 3–9
-
Light: full sun, part sun to part shade, full shade
-
Bloom start: Early-August
-
Peak bloom: Mid-August
-
Bloom pattern: Single Flush
-
Deer resistance: Susceptible
-
Pollinator value: Great
Sizes and shipping
Dormant bare-root plant, sold in boxes of 25 per variety (order in multiples of 25). Bare-root plants ship or are picked up March 1–May 31 only. They are soil-free, so they may ship to every state in that window. Dormant plants often show little or no top growth on arrival; plant or heel them in promptly.
Lavender companion · grow guide
Community Grower Report
