better outdoor living at home spring


‘Royal Standard’ Hosta ~ A Perennial a Week


We haven’t featured a white flowering perennial for a while, so this week the ‘Royal Standard’ Hosta is in the spotlight. And, with pretty good timing too, since late summer is its blooming time!

 

 

You may not think of hostas in terms of flowers since for the most part they are relied upon to provide greenery in the landscape and the garden. And some times their leaves are more showy or interesting than their flowers.

 

Royal-Standard-Hosta-flower

 

But that is not the case with this hosta. I have had ‘Royal Standard’ hostas in my backyard for a number of years, and I love seeing them all through the growing season.

 

Royal-Standard-Hosta-blooms

 

 

The medium green foliage of the Royal Standard is very visually appealing with its wavy, or ridge-like texture, and, its large leaf is somewhat heart-shaped. Its textured leaf is one of the reasons I love it. I also love its large, almost lily-shaped, white flowers.

 

Royal-Standard-Hosta-bud

 

 

The hosta genus originated in China and Japan, but many hybrids have been produced from the originals. The ‘Royal Standard’ is a cross between H. plantaginea and H. sieboldiana. The family of hosta is commonly referred to as just ‘hosta’, or plantain lily.

The flowers of the Royal Standard have a delicate appearance, all lined up on their long slender stem, and are quite fragrant, which I recently discovered.

 

Royal-Standard-Hosta-stems

 

 

They are pretty versatile – they grow well in dense shade and are tolerant of a range of soil types, although they will grow their best in a moist rich, organic soil. They’re also versatile for the many ways you can use them in the garden or landscape, but when planning your design, it’s a good idea to keep in mind that this hosta is a larger variety, so it will need space.

 

Royal-Standard-Hosta-top

 

I didn’t know this when I bought mine, but the Royal Standard is tolerant of black walnuts, which worked out well since I have a walnut tree in my yard, not too far from where I planted them.

 

This hosta’s foliage grows to about 24” to 30” in height, and when you include its flower stems, the plant can get around 36” or more. If left alone, it can spread to about 5 feet, but it can be divided to create more plants, which is one of the great things about perennials. Spring is the best time for dividing perennials.

 

This is a showy display of Royal Standard hosta we saw along the edge of a neighbor’s yard –  it is so gorgeous next to their incredibly beautiful old wall.

 

Royal-Standard-Hosta-full

 

Many perennials remain above ground during in the colder climates, but hostas, in general, will dieback to the soil.

 

It is hardy from zones 3 to 8, and attracts hummingbirds. All in all, it is a low maintenance plant, but the pests and other threats to most hostas are slugs and deer, who love to feast on the leaves. My Royal Standard has not been bothered by slugs, and there are never any deer around the neighborhood.

 

You can see how large the Royal Standard can grow!

 

Royal-Standard-Hosta-side

 

If you can’t find the ‘Royal Standard’ Hosta at a local nursery, you might try an online retailer!

 

~K

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