This fast growing classic cultivar consists of a large size (26 inches high by 63 inches wide) mound of green foliage and fragrant flowers later in the season. It was originated by John J. Grullemans who was the owner of the original Wayside Garden Nursery when it was located in Ohio. 'Royal Standard' is a  hybrid of H. plantaginea × H. 'Sieboldiana' which occurred in the early 1960s. At that time this plant was also granted the first hosta cultivar patent by the U.S. Patent Office in 1963. The life of a plant patent is 17 years so it expired in 1980.  It was registered by The American Hosta Society on his behalf in 1986.

This hosta has wavy, shiny foliage of a medium green color. The leaves are slightly corrugated and are very shiny on the bottom. True to its heritage, it bears fragrant white flowers in abundant numbers from mid-August into September.

According to The Hostapedia by Mark Zilis (2009), "Historically, 'Royal Standard'ranks as one of the first American hosta introductions and was the first to be patented...Over the years, it has been listed under a variety of other cultivar names, a few invented to avoid paying patent royalties, others simply mistakes in plant identification. These names include 'Royal Command', 'White Knight', 'Hadspen White', 'Liverpool White', 'Sweet Winifred', and 'Wayside Perfection'.

The New Encyclopedia of Hostas by Diana Grenfell (2009) states: "Leaves will turn chartreuse when exposed to full sunlight. Less likely to bloom well in cooler, wetter regions...Very fragrant, waxy, white flowers that are far more abundant than those of its H. plantaginea parent."

An article about H. 'Hoosier Harmony' (originated by Bob Solberg) by Warren I. Pollock in The Hosta Journal (1996 Vol. 27 No. 1) states that, "I think this is the best new introduction of 1995...It has all the great characteristics of 'Royal Standard'. It is a good grower, with big white fragrant flowers, that will tolerate sunny locations given ample water."

A Photo Essay article by Steve Chamberlain in The Hostta Journal (2010 Vol. 41 No. 1) makes comments about H. 'Dee's Golden Jewel', "Kevin Walek registered this cross of 'Royal Standard' and 'Galaxy' in 1996. In maturity, it has turned out to be a very large plant with a very congested habit. This hosta is an outstanding blue early in the season, but the leaves turn yellow later, even if there is only brief sun exposure each day. New leaves emerge blue, giving an unusual two-toned appearance to a vigorous clump."

In an article in The Hosta Journal (2016 Vol. 47 No 2), the author described this plant's flowers as having a "Strong" fragrance compared to other hostas.

This cultivar has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in the UK.

3 25.0 1975 #10 1985 #15 1991 #49

United States Patent: PP02467

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