Hosta 'Royal Standard': Classic Fragrant Green Hosta Since 1964

Hosta 'Royal Standard': The Enduring Fragrant Classic

Hosta 'Royal Standard', hybridized by Grulleman-Wayside-AHS and introduced in 1964, is one of the oldest and most reliable fragrant hostas. Its glossy, apple-green leaves and sweetly scented white flowers have made it a garden staple for over half a century—a true "royal standard" of the genus.

Timeless Fragrance and Foliage

The leaves are large, 10–12 inches long, broadly ovate, glossy, and a fresh apple-green. The plant forms a substantial, arching mound 2–3 feet tall and 4–5 feet wide. In late summer, 3–4 foot scapes bear large, pure white, intensely fragrant flowers—sweet, honeysuckle-like, strongest at dusk. The combination of green foliage and white scented flowers is classic and elegant.

Half-Century of Reliability

'Royal Standard' has stood the test of time. It's vigorous, adaptable (sun to shade), tolerant of various soils, and exceptionally hardy (USDA zones 3–9). The fragrance is consistent and powerful. It's often used as a benchmark for fragrant hosta breeding.

Taxonomic Profile

• Family: Liliaceae
• Genus: Hosta
• Cultivar: 'Royal Standard'
• Hybridizer: Grulleman-Wayside-AHS
• Introduced: 1964

Heritage Garden Essential

'Royal Standard' brings a piece of hosta history to any garden. Its fragrance, reliability, and classic green-and-white elegance make it suitable for any style—cottage, formal, woodland, or sensory. A cultivar that has earned its "Royal" title through decades of flawless performance.