Plantain Lily Hosta 'Royal Standard'
ABOUT
Hosta 'Royal Standard' is a perennial plant known for its luscious foliage and striking flowers. The leaves are a vibrant green, often with a glossy or slightly shiny appearance, which form a mound-like structure with a lush, dense coverage. The leaves are heart-shaped, coming to a distinct point, and display prominent veins that give them a textured look. During the blooming period, Hosta 'Royal Standard' produces tall stalks above the foliage, which bear fragrant white flowers. These blooms are trumpet-shaped and hang in clusters, adding a touch of elegance to the plant's robust greenery. The overall impression of Hosta 'Royal Standard' is one of a graceful, verdant plant that can brighten up shady spots in a garden with its foliage and charming blossoms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Plantain Lily, Funkia, Hosta
Common names
Hosta 'Royal Standard'
ToxicityTo humans
Hostas are not considered highly toxic to humans. If ingested in large quantities, they might cause some discomfort including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, but such cases are rare. It is generally recommended to avoid eating any plant material that is not known to be safe for consumption.
To pets
Hostas are toxic to pets, particularly to dogs and cats. If your pet consumes a Hosta, they may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious symptoms, but this is uncommon. It's advisable to keep your pets away from these plants and to contact your veterinarian if you suspect they've ingested any part of a Hosta plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Northeast Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Hostas are known for their low-maintenance requirements, making them ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Shade Tolerance: 'Royal Standard' thrives in shady areas where other plants might struggle, providing lush greenery in dimmer parts of the garden.
- Ornamental Foliage: This variety of hosta features attractive, broad leaves that add a texture and a deep green color to garden settings.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, hostas have good tolerance to drought, which makes them suitable for gardens with less frequent watering.
- Pest Resistance: While slugs and deer may target hostas, 'Royal Standard' is generally more resistant to pests than other varieties.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Hostas are versatile and can be used in a variety of landscape designs, including borders, containers, and as groundcover.
- Long-Living Perennial: As a perennial, 'Royal Standard' returns each year, offering a reliable presence in the garden.
- Aesthetic Flowering: In addition to its foliage, 'Royal Standard' produces fragrant white flowers that can add a decorative touch to the late summer garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of 'Royal Standard' attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Space Filler: Hostas can act as an excellent ground filler, quickly expanding to cover empty areas and reduce weed growth.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hostas can be used as a natural dye plant. The leaves of 'Royal Standard' may be boiled to extract green dyes for fabrics or crafts.
- The large, broad leaves of hostas are sometimes used by gardeners as a natural mulch to suppress weeds around other plants.
- Hostas, including 'Royal Standard', can serve as an indicator plant for slug activity due to their susceptibility to slug damage.
- 'Royal Standard' can be planted under trees where grass struggles to grow, as they can thrive in the shaded conditions beneath tree canopies.
- They can be used in floral arrangements or as a leafy backdrop in bouquets because of their lush foliage.
- You can place potted hostas around a patio or shaded deck as natural decoration.
- Companion planting with 'Royal Standard' can benefit other plants by providing shade and cooler soil temperatures during hot days.
- Hosta leaves can be used as a biodegradable food wrap or plate for outdoor gatherings, as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic.
- 'Royal Standard' can play a role in noise reduction in the garden, as their thick foliage can help absorb sound.
- These plants can act as a living garden border or edge, creating a visual divide in garden design without the need for fencing or hardscaping materials.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hosta is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hosta is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Hostas are known for their ability to thrive in shady gardens where other plants may struggle, symbolising adaptability and strength in adversity.
- Endurance: With the ability to grow for many years in the same spot, Hostas represent longevity and persistence.
- Devotion: As Hostas return year after year, they are often seen as representing loyalty and faithfulness.
- Heartiness: The robust nature of the Hosta 'Royal Standard' evokes feelings of vitality and robust health.
WaterHostas, including the 'Royal Standard' variety, prefer consistently moist soil, which often translates to watering about once a week. However, adjust this frequency depending on weather conditions; hot, dry spells may necessitate more frequent watering, while rainy periods may require less. The goal should be to water deeply, providing about one inch of water each time, which for a typical garden area means roughly half a gallon per square foot. Always check the soil moisture level before watering; the soil should be moist not soaked. It’s also best to water in the morning to allow foliage to dry, which can help prevent fungal diseases.
LightThe 'Royal Standard' Hosta flourishes best in partial to full shade conditions. Ideally, it should be planted in a spot that receives some morning sunlight but is protected from the harsh afternoon sun. Too much direct sunlight can result in leaf scorch, whereas too little can lead to reduced vigor and less dense foliage. Hostas are versatile and can also tolerate a range of light conditions, but the described partial shade scenario is where they typically thrive.
TemperatureHostas, including the 'Royal Standard', prefer temperate climates and can generally tolerate temperatures from as low as 30°F to as high as 85°F. For optimal growth, they enjoy a range between 50°F and 75°F. It is important to ensure that the ‘Royal Standard’ Hosta is not exposed to extreme heat or frost, as both can harm the plant. Providing a good mulch layer can help regulate soil temperature and protect the roots during temperature fluctuations.
PruningPruning 'Royal Standard' Hostas is mainly conducted to remove dead or damaged leaves and to maintain plant health and appearance. This is best done in the early spring or fall, but faded or damaged leaves can be removed at any time throughout the growing season. There’s usually no need for regular pruning except for tidying up the plant since Hostas naturally grow in an attractive mound shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Hosta 'Royal Standard', commonly known as Plantain Lily, is a well-draining, fertile mix with high organic matter. A mixture of peat, compost, and perlite or vermiculite is ideal. The Plantain Lily thrives in soil pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingPlantain Lilies typically do not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. Repotting every 4 to 5 years is sufficient unless the plant is clearly outgrowing its container or showing signs of decline.
Humidity & MistingPlantain Lily prefers average to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable. To ensure optimal growth and health, maintain humidity levels around 50% or higher if possible.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and keep soil moist for indoor Plantain Lilies.
Outdoor
In partial to full shade, keep Plantain Lilies well-watered outdoors.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleHosta 'Royal Standard' begins as a dormant rhizome or division planted in early spring. It quickly starts vegetative growth, with leaves emerging from the soil as temperatures increase. Throughout the spring and summer, the plant’s foliage matures, forming a clump of large, heart-shaped, glossy green leaves. In late summer to early fall, it produces tall flower scapes, bearing fragrant white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. After blooming, the plant enters senescence with the onset of cooler autumn temperatures; the foliage dies back and the plant prepares for dormancy. Throughout winter, the plant remains dormant underground, and the cycle starts anew with the return of spring warmth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Hosta 'Royal Standard' most commonly multiplies through division, which is best carried out in the early spring or early fall when the plant is not in active growth. Division involves carefully digging up an established clump of the hosta, making sure to maintain as many roots as possible. Using a sharp spade or knife, the clump is then split into smaller sections, ensuring each has at least two or three shoots and a portion of the root system. These sections can then be immediately replanted in prepared soil, ideally at the same depth they were growing previously. Regular watering is necessary until the new divisions are established, which encourages root growth and helps the plants recover from the division process.
