H. ‘Royal Rainbow’
Hosta ‘Royal Rainbow’ is a registered cultivar () , originated by P. Aden.
| Year registered | 1978 |
|---|---|
| Registrant | P. Aden |
| Section class | II-6a (Large) |
Overview
Registered in 1978 by P. Aden, this large cultivar resulted from a cross between H. 'Bold One' (pod parent) and H. 'Flamboyant' (pollen parent). It is visually distinctive for its broad green leaves edged with near-white margins, a pattern that persists through the growing season.
In the Garden
Mature plants reach 24 inches (61.0 cm) in height and spread to 36 inches (91.4 cm) in diameter, making this a substantial specimen suited to mid-border or as a focal point in shaded beds. It performs best in partial to full shade, typical of most hostas, and pairs well with ferns, astilbes, or other shade-tolerant perennials. The large, rounded leaves provide strong textural contrast against finer foliage.
Care Notes
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Like many broad-leaved hostas, it is susceptible to slug and deer damage, so protective measures may be necessary in areas where these pests are prevalent.
This summary was generated with AI from the registry record and has not been reviewed yet; the registry data on this page is the reference. How we use AI.
Size and leaf
| Clump height | 24 in (61 cm) |
|---|---|
| Clump width | 36 in (91.4 cm) |
| Leaf length | 10 in (25.4 cm) |
| Leaf width | 8 in (20.3 cm) |
| Vein pairs | 10 |
| Flower scape height | 30 in (76.2 cm) |
From the American Hosta Society Registry record.
Parentage
- Pod parent: H. 'Bold One' — H. ‘Bold One’
- Pollen parent: H. 'Flamboyant' — H. ‘Flamboyant’
Registered cultivars that list Hosta ‘Royal Rainbow’ as a parent:
- H. ‘Look See’ (seedling (pod parent))
- H. ‘Snow Cap’ (seedling (pollen parent))
Similar cultivars
Other registered hostas in the same AHS section class (II-6a, large size):
- H. ‘Night Shift’ (1991)
- H. ‘Stained Glass’ (1999)
- H. ‘Reversed’ (1978)
- H. ‘White Colossus’ (1978)
- H. ‘Paintbrush’ (1976)
- H. ‘Top Banana’ (1983)
Related guides
Registration data: AHS Registry #4864. How we check this data.