The 'Royal Standard' hosta is a favorite among shade-loving perennials for its large size and beautiful leaves. But it's not just its looks that stand out. Its flowers, which bloom in late summer and fall, have a sweet scent. This scent makes the 'Royal Standard' hosta a top pick for gardeners who want a fragrant plant for their shaded areas.
But how strong is the scent of this hosta, and what makes it so fragrant? Let's explore the 'Royal Standard' hosta and find out what makes its smell so special.
Introduction to Hostas
The hosta genus includes about 70 species of shade-loving perennials. They are known for their beautiful foliage. These plants grow in the open woodlands and prefer rich, well-drained soil.
Hostas are also called plantain lilies. They have bell-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring or summer. These plants do well in shady spots where other plants might not grow well.
Hostas are versatile and fit well in many garden designs. They are perfect for shaded areas. Their leaves come in many colors, sizes, and textures, adding beauty to any garden.
| Hosta Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Genus | Hosta |
| Native Region | Asia |
| Plant Type | Shade-loving perennials |
| Growth Habit | Rhizomatous, clump-forming |
| Foliage | Ornamental, stalked, conspicuously-veined leaves |
| Flowers | Bell or funnel-shaped, blooming in late spring or summer |
| Preferred Conditions | Part shade to full shade, organically rich, well-drained soil |
Royal Standard Hosta
The 'Royal Standard' hosta is a standout in the hosta world. It comes from a mix of H. plantaginea and H. sieboldiana. This large hosta has many features that make it popular with gardeners and designers.
This hosta can grow up to 26 inches tall and spread up to 63 inches wide. Its leaves are a bright medium green and have a shiny look. They also have unique veining, undulations, and sharp tips.
The 'Royal Standard' hosta is special because it was the first to get a U.S. Plant Patent in 1965 (PP2467). This shows its unique qualities and its importance in hosta history.
| Characteristic | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Plant Height | 16 inches |
| Flower Height | 28 inches |
| Spacing | 4 feet |
| Hardiness Zone | 2a |
| Expected Lifespan | Approximately 10 years |
| Spread at Maturity | 4 feet |
| Growth Rate | Medium |
| Propagation Method | Division |
| Recommended Spacing (Mass Planting) | 4 feet apart |
The 'Royal Standard' hosta is a gem among large hostas. It stands out with its size, beautiful leaves, and history. It's a favorite for gardeners and designers because of its beauty and versatility.
Fragrance of Royal Standard Hosta
The Royal Standard Hosta is known for its amazing floral scent that comes out in late summer. These fragrant, white flowers stand tall above the green foliage. They give off a sweet smell that makes people happy.
The flowers of the Royal Standard Hosta have a sweet fragrance. This makes the plant stand out from other hostas. It's a favorite among gardeners who love fragrant flowers.
The sweet smell of the Royal Standard Hosta's flowers comes in late summer. It adds a special touch to the garden when the plant is in full bloom. Gardeners enjoy this lovely fragrance, making the plant even more appealing.
| Fragrant Hostas Available | Quantity in Stock |
|---|---|
| Royal Standard Hosta | 10 units |
| Fragrant Dream Hosta 4.5 Inch Container | 42 units |
| Honey Pie Hosta 4.5 Inch Container | 4 units (very low stock) |
| Fragrant Blue Ribbons Hosta 4.5 Inch Container | 2 units (new for 2024, very low stock) |
Growing Royal Standard Hosta
The Royal Standard Hosta is a favorite among gardeners who love part shade to full shade. It does best in rich, well-drained soil and likes its moisture steady. Make sure the soil stays moist but not too dry.
This hosta can handle some sun but might turn yellow-green in full sun. It grows best at about 60°F and should stay above freezing. The best soil pH is between 5.8 and 6.5 for it.
To keep the hosta healthy, divide it in spring or autumn if needed. A light dose of liquid fertilizer in early spring helps too. Use a 20-10-20 blend with 50 ppm nitrogen.
For winter, the hosta needs 10-12 weeks of cool temperatures to grow well next year. This process, called vernalization, is key for its health.
By planting, watering, and caring for the Royal Standard Hosta right, gardeners can enjoy its beautiful leaves and sweet flowers for many years.
Pests and Diseases Affecting Hostas
Hostas are loved for their lush leaves and tall look. But, they face threats from pests and diseases. Slugs, snails, nematodes, and viruses can harm them. Gardeners must watch closely to keep their hostas healthy and beautiful.
Slugs and snails love to eat hosta leaves, leaving holes and damage. Foliar nematodes, tiny worms, also harm hostas by browning the leaves between the veins.
- Slugs and snails feast on hosta leaves, creating jagged holes
- Foliar nematodes lead to interveinal browning of the leaves
- Leaf spots and crown rot are less frequent but can be problematic
Hostas can also get diseases, though not as often. Hosta Virus X (HVX), tobacco rattle virus, and tomato ring spot virus are serious threats. If a plant gets infected, remove and destroy it to stop the disease from spreading.
| Pest or Disease | Symptoms | Management Strategies |
|---|---|---|
| Slugs and Snails | Jagged holes in leaves | Use barriers, traps, or organic control methods |
| Foliar Nematodes | Interveinal browning of leaves | Identify and remove infected plants, improve soil drainage |
| Hosta Virus X (HVX) | Varied symptoms based on cultivar | Immediately remove and destroy infected plants |
It's important for hosta lovers to watch their gardens for pests and diseases. Quick action and the right strategies can help keep hostas healthy for many years.
Landscaping with Royal Standard Hosta
Royal Standard Hosta is a top pick for shade gardens and woodland areas. It has big, beautiful leaves and lovely white flowers. These features make it a great choice for shaded spots in your garden.
This hosta loves partial to full shade, perfect for shade gardens or woodland garden edges. It looks great with other plants that like the shade. Plus, its big size and eye-catching leaves work well in mass plantings for a bold look.
- Suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9
- Grows to a height of 1.5-2 feet and spreads 3-5 feet wide
- Produces fragrant white flowers on 28-inch tall scapes
- Thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions
- Requires average water and tolerates dry shade
- Easy to divide and propagate for rapid spread
Think about planting Royal Standard Hosta in groups for a lush look. Their big leaves and sweet-scented flowers bring beauty and calm to shade gardens or woodland gardens.
Conclusion
The Royal Standard Hosta is a standout shade-loving perennial. It has won over gardeners with its fragrant, late-summer blooms. This hosta is one of the oldest and most popular, known for its large size, shiny green leaves, and sweet-scented flowers.
It's perfect for woodland settings, shade gardens, and other landscaping projects across the U.S. Thanks to online resources like Hosta Library, Facebook, and Hosta.org, gardeners now know more about these versatile plants.
Hosta hybridizers produce thousands of new seedlings every year. This means more variety for gardeners to choose from. Whether you like the classic Royal Standard Hosta or want something new, there's always something exciting to discover.
The hosta industry is growing, and events like the Iowa nursery event bring enthusiasts together. This ensures the Royal Standard Hosta will stay a favorite in gardens for many years.
