Product Description
Hosta 'Royal Crest' PP32067 (25) bare root clumps
Common Name: Hosta
This next generation hybrid of 'Royal Standard' will blow the old garden staple out of the water and is the perfect addition to your fragrant Hosta collection. A more polished plant than its parent with thicker foliage, 'Royal Crest' has medium green, shiny leaves that show heavier substance than traditional fragrant varieties. Large white flowers are produced August to early September here in Michigan. Displays sun tolerance, which is why we are able to offer this hosta as a field grown bare root.
Height: 28.0 Inches
Spread: 50.0 Inches
Scape Height: 35.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: White Shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun to Full Shade
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Summer
Attracts Hummingbirds
Growth Rate: Rapid
Border Plant, Container, Cut Foliage, Easy To Grow, Fragrant Flowers, Attractive Foliage, Mass Planting
Hosta 'Royal Crest' is a stunning perennial plant celebrated for its lush foliage and captivating fragrance. Unlike many other hostas that shy away from the sun, 'Royal Crest' thrives in full sun to light shade, making it a versatile choice for gardeners.
Characteristics Hosta 'Royal Crest' is an herbaceous perennial that forms a 28-inch tall mound of thick, broadly oval, medium green leaves. The leaves have a captivating shine and good substance, making them an excellent choice for concealing the fading foliage of spring bulbs. As summer transitions to fall, in mid-August to September, the plant graces the garden with 3-foot tall spires of elegant white flowers. These blossoms exude a delightful fragrance, adding another dimension to this already captivating plant.
This hosta cultivar is a next-generation hybrid, resulting from a cross between 'Royal Standard' and 'Braveheart'. Hybridized by Hans Hansen at Walters Gardens in 2018, 'Royal Crest' boasts thicker foliage, and a more refined appearance compared to its parent, 'Royal Standard'. 'Royal Standard' holds the distinction of being the first hosta to receive a US plant patent in 1965.
- Botanical Name: Hosta 'Royal Crest' PP32067
- Common Name: Hosta, Plantain Lily
- Hardiness Zones: 3-9
- Height: 28 inches
- Spread: 50 inches
- Flower Color: White
- Bloom Time: Mid-August to September
- Foliage Color: Medium green
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade
- Water Needs: Average
- Soil Type: Moist, well-drained
- Other Features: Fragrant flowers, sun tolerant, fast-growing
Care Hosta 'Royal Crest' thrives in moist, well-drained, highly organic soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Sandy loam is preferable to clay as it provides better aeration for the roots. While it prefers shade, it can tolerate full sun, especially in northern regions. It is also important to shelter this hosta from cold, dry winds.
- Light Requirements Provide high-filtered or dappled sunlight for optimal growth. While morning sun can enhance the intensity of the leaf colors, it is best to avoid exposing the plant to the harsh afternoon sun.
- Watering During the first growing season, consistent watering is crucial for establishing a strong root system. Once established, Hosta 'Royal Crest' exhibits some drought tolerance but will benefit from supplemental watering during extended dry periods.
- Fertilization A balanced fertilizer applied in early spring will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. However, avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.
- Soil Hosta 'Royal Crest' prefers moist, well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. If your garden has heavy clay soil, amend it with organic matter, such as compost, to improve drainage.
- Pruning To encourage continued growth, cut off the flower stems after the blooms have faded. Any discolored leaves should be trimmed back to the ground to maintain the plant's aesthetic appeal.
- Mulching Applying a layer of organic compost around the base of the plant serves multiple purposes. It helps retain moisture in the soil, suppresses weed growth, and provides additional nutrients. In northern zones, where the ground freezes in winter, mulch with finely shredded organic material to prevent the plant from heaving out of the ground. However, be mindful that mulch can also create a haven for slugs and snails.
Pests and Diseases Hosta 'Royal Crest' can be susceptible to several pests and diseases:
- Slugs and Snails: These pests can damage the foliage by chewing holes in the leaves. Apply slug bait in early spring to control them.
- Voles: These rodents can damage the roots and crowns of hostas.
- Environmental Damage: Frost damage, scorch, and sunburn can affect the leaves.
- Diseases: Hostas are susceptible to various diseases, including anthracnose, hosta leaf nematodes, hosta virus X, and southern blight.
Toxicity It is important to note that Hosta 'Royal Crest' is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. If ingested, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Keep this in mind if you have pets that may be tempted to nibble on the plants.
Uses and Companions Hosta 'Royal Crest' is a versatile plant that can be incorporated into various garden settings:
- Shade Gardens: As a shade-loving plant, it thrives in areas with limited sunlight, making it a perfect addition to woodland gardens or shady borders. Combine it with ferns, hellebores, and other shade-tolerant perennials for a lush and textured display.
- Beds and Borders: Its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers make it a standout in mixed perennial borders. Consider pairing it with Alchemilla mollis, Aruncus 'Chantilly Lace', or Asarum splendens for a captivating combination of textures and colors.
- City Gardens: Hosta 'Royal Crest' tolerates urban environments and air pollution, making it a suitable choice for city gardens. Plant it in containers on balconies or patios to add a touch of greenery to urban spaces.
- Cottage Gardens: Its lush foliage and fragrant flowers blend seamlessly with the informal charm of cottage gardens. Combine it with other cottage garden favorites, such as Astilbe 'Amber Moon' and Heuchera 'Twist of Lime', for a vibrant and romantic display.
- Containers: Hosta 'Royal Crest' can be grown in containers, adding a touch of elegance to patios, decks, or entryways. Its compact size makes it well-suited for container gardening.
- Ground Cover: In shady areas, its spreading habit can be utilized as a ground cover to suppress weeds and create a lush carpet of foliage.
- Underplanting: Plant Hosta 'Royal Crest' beneath roses and shrubs to add texture and interest to the understory. Its foliage can help to conceal the bare lower stems of these plants.
- Cut Foliage: The attractive foliage can be used in floral arrangements, adding a touch of elegance and texture.
- Fragrant Gardens: Include Hosta 'Royal Crest' in fragrant gardens to enjoy its sweet aroma, especially in the evenings. Plant it near seating areas or walkways where its fragrance can be appreciated.
Hosta 'Royal Crest' is a captivating plant that brings together lush foliage, elegant flowers, and a delightful fragrance. Its sun tolerance, adaptability, and low-maintenance nature make it an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels. By following the care guidelines outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your Hosta 'Royal Crest' flourishes and becomes a cherished addition to your garden.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
