Hosta 'Royal Standard' (plantain lily 'Royal Standard') — Clump-forming, mounded

Overview

Hosta 'Royal Standard' is a clump-forming, mounded perennial in the genus Hosta, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous; broad, ribbed or puckered, often variegated or glaucous foliage. Hosta 'Royal Standard' grows best in partial to full shade; blue-leaved kinds hold their colour best out of sun, and tolerates fertile loam enriched with organic matter soils and neutral to slightly acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include shade gardens, borders, ground cover and container planting.

About

Hosta 'Royal Standard' is a clump-forming, mounded perennial plantain lily grown for its broad, ribbed foliage that often shows variegation or a glaucous sheen. It flowers from June to August, with blooms that can be scented. Suited to partial to full shade, it performs best in fertile loam made richer with organic matter. Position in a north or east-facing, sheltered spot and keep the soil reliably moist but never waterlogged.

About the genus

Hosta is a genus of plants commonly known as hostas, plantain lilies and occasionally by the Japanese name gibōshi. Hostas are widely cultivated as shade-tolerant foliage plants. The genus is placed in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae, and is native to northeast Asia.

Wikipedia contributors, "Hosta", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hosta

In the garden

Hosta 'Royal Standard' is a mounded, clump-forming perennial in the genus Hosta valued primarily for its broad, ribbed or puckered leaves that are often variegated or carry a glaucous bloom. As with other hostas, the foliage provides the main season-long interest while the plant sends up flowering stems in summer; flowering occurs from June to August and the blooms can be fragrant. Plant into fertile loam enriched with organic matter and aim for a neutral to slightly acid pH. Sit 'Royal Standard' where it receives partial to full shade; north- or east-facing aspects are ideal and a sheltered position reduces winter damage. Keep the soil evenly and reliably moist but avoid waterlogging. Blue-leaved types in the genus retain their tone best out of direct sun, so avoid hot, exposed sites if leaf colour matters. Fully hardy to H7 (USDA zones 3–9), this cultivar tolerates cold winters common across the UK when given the right situation and soil. Use it in shaded borders, as ground cover beneath trees and larger shrubs, or in containers on a shaded patio where the summer flowers and scented blooms can be appreciated alongside the textured leaves. The ribbed, puckered leaf surface is a useful identification feature when foliage alone must distinguish 'Royal Standard' in mixed shade planting.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hosta

Sunlight: Partial to full shade; blue-leaved kinds hold their colour best out of sun
Soil type: Fertile loam enriched with organic matter
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acid
Soil moisture: Reliably moist but never waterlogged
Aspect: North or east facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Hosta 'Royal Standard' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, mounded
Foliage: Deciduous; broad, ribbed or puckered, often variegated or glaucous
Suggested uses: Shade gardens, borders, ground cover, container planting
Fragrance: Flower

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta 'Royal Standard'

Cultivation: Give a cool root run, generous leaf mould and consistent moisture — drought is what produces thin, scorched leaves. Growing in containers makes slug control far easier, and a top-dressing of grit or a copper band around the pot helps further.
Pruning: No pruning needed. Remove flower scapes once faded if seed is not wanted, and clear collapsed foliage in late autumn to take away slug shelter.
Propagation: Divide crowns in early spring as the shoots emerge, cutting between the buds with a sharp knife. Division is the only way to keep a named cultivar true.
Pest resistance: Highly attractive to slugs and snails, which is the one real limiting factor; vine weevil can be serious in containers.
Disease resistance: Generally healthy. Hosta virus X is the notable exception — affected plants should be destroyed rather than divided.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Hosta 'Royal Standard'?

Give a cool root run, generous leaf mould and consistent moisture — drought is what produces thin, scorched leaves. Growing in containers makes slug control far easier, and a top-dressing of grit or a copper band around the pot helps further.

Where is the best place to plant Hosta 'Royal Standard'?

Hosta 'Royal Standard' prefers partial to full shade; blue-leaved kinds hold their colour best out of sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Hosta 'Royal Standard' need?

Hosta 'Royal Standard' grows best in fertile loam enriched with organic matter soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acid soil. Aim for soil that stays reliably moist but never waterlogged.

How do I prune Hosta 'Royal Standard'?

No pruning needed. Remove flower scapes once faded if seed is not wanted, and clear collapsed foliage in late autumn to take away slug shelter.

Is Hosta 'Royal Standard' hardy in the UK?

Hosta 'Royal Standard' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Hosta 'Royal Standard'?

Divide crowns in early spring as the shoots emerge, cutting between the buds with a sharp knife. Division is the only way to keep a named cultivar true.

More in the Hosta genus

Browse all Hosta →