Product Description
'Empress Wu' Hosta (Skaggs 2008) (20)ct Flat
Very Large.
- Huge dark green, deeply veined leaves of good substance can measure more than 1½' wide and long. Large leaves are formed as a young plant, though entire clump takes about 5 years growing in the ground to achieve mature size.
- Strongly upright habit, forming a very tall and wide clump, upon maturity center leaves push outer leaves to sweep the ground.
- Pale reddish violet flowers appear just above the foliage in early to midsummer
- An outstanding focal point and topic of conversation in your shade garden!
2023 Proven Winners National Hosta of the Year®
Height: 3.0-4.0 Feet
Spread: 5.0-6.0 Feet
Scape Height: 4.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Purple-red shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early Summer = Midsummer
Attracts Hummingbirds
Growth Rate: Rapid
Border Plant, Container, Cut Foliage, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting
Hosta 'Empress Wu' is a giant among hostas, rightfully earning its regal name. It is known for its massive size, bold texture, and commanding presence in the shade garden. If you are looking to make a statement with foliage, 'Empress Wu' is an excellent choice. Here is a closer look at this impressive cultivar:
Appearance:
- Giant Leaves: 'Empress Wu' boasts enormous, heart-shaped, dark green leaves that can reach up to 18 inches long and 15 inches wide. The leaves are deeply veined and have a thick, leathery texture, giving them a substantial presence.
- Upright Habit: The plant has a strongly upright habit, forming a massive clump that can reach 4 to 5 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide at maturity.
- Pale Lavender Flowers: In early to midsummer, it produces pale lavender flowers on short scapes (stalks) that hover just above the foliage.
Growing Conditions:
- Shade: Thrives in partial shade to full shade. It prefers some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent the leaves from scorching.
- Moist Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Hardiness Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3-8, making it a versatile choice for many gardeners.
Care:
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
- Mulching: Mulching around the plant helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Dividing: Divide clumps every few years in spring or fall to maintain vigor, although it can take many years to reach its full size.
Uses:
- Shade Gardens: Creates a dramatic focal point in shade gardens.
- Specimen Plant: Its impressive size and form make it an outstanding specimen plant.
- Background Plant: Can be used as a background plant in borders, adding height and texture.
- Woodland Gardens: Adds a touch of grandeur and lushness to woodland gardens.
Additional Information:
- Giant Size: 'Empress Wu' is one of the largest hosta cultivars available, making a bold statement in the landscape.
- Slug Resistance: Its thick, leathery leaves are less susceptible to slug damage compared to many other hostas.
- Hosta of the Year: It was named Hosta of the Year in 2023 by Proven Winners.
If you are looking for a hosta that will command attention with its giant size and bold texture, Hosta 'Empress Wu' is an excellent choice. It is a truly majestic addition to any shade 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!
