Hosta Empress Wu

Hosta 'Empress Wu' is considered to be the biggest hosta cultivar. It has gigantic green leaves with apparent venation. Hosta 'Empress Wu' was named after the only female monarch of China. In the summer the gigantic clump is topped with light lavender flower. Reserve space for this plant in your garden – it will need soon plenty of space! 

The Hosta-Cultivar 'Empress Wu' is a stunning variety of hosta known for its large size and impressive presence in the garden. This hosta was named after Empress Wu, the powerful and influential empress of China, who ruled during the Tang Dynasty.

The Hosta-Cultivar 'Empress Wu' is a hybrid plant, created by crossing several different hosta species, including Hosta 'Big John'. It was first introduced by Brian & Virginia Skaggs in 2008 and quickly became a favorite among gardeners and landscape designers.

One of the most distinctive features of the Hosta-Cultivar 'Empress Wu' is its size. It is one of the largest hosta varieties available, with mature plants reaching heights of up to 125 cm and spreading up to 270 cm wide. The leaves of this hosta are also exceptionally large, with thick, deep-green foliage that can measure up to 60 cm in length and 40 cm in width.

Another attractive feature of the Hosta-Cultivar 'Empress Wu' is its ability to tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It is a hardy plant that can thrive in both sun and shade, although it prefers partial shade in hotter climates. It is also relatively low-maintenance, requiring only moderate watering and occasional fertilization to stay healthy.

Overall, the Hosta-Cultivar 'Empress Wu' is a beautiful and impressive addition to any garden. Its large size and striking foliage make it a standout plant that is sure to draw attention and admiration. Whether used as a specimen plant or as part of a larger hosta display, this cultivar is a must-have for any hosta enthusiast.

How to grow hostas

Save light shade to shade place in your garden to plant hostas. Filtered sun is best for the colorful varieties to reach their full color contrast. The green and blue hostas are the most shade-tolerant. Usually the yellow cultivars are the most sun-tolerant. The most dangerous is a direct sunshine, especially hot afternoon sun. This is the most critical where temperatures are high. Variegated varieties, especially those with a lot of white in the leaves, burn very easily. Blue color of leaves turns to green-blue or even fully green with too much direct sun. Plants with thick leaves are better suited for dry soil conditions than thin-leaved ones, but none is able to grow years-long in very dry soil. Plant hostas in moist, humus-rich soil.

Water your hostas well immediately as you plant them. Give them water regularly during their first one or two growing season.

Hostas grow slowly and may take 2 to 5 years to reach their full size, longer for the largest species and cultivars. Reserve a plenty of space in your perennial bed for hostas. Most of them are medium sized or large perennials. Hostas are almost fully disease and pest resistant. The most dangerous injury can by caused by slugs, snails and deers.