Hosta Empress Wu (Plantain Lily)

Among the largest hostas, ‘Empress Wu’ (Plantain Lily) is an outstanding perennial forming an impressive, upright, cascading mound of thick, deeply veined, dark blue-green leaves, 18 in. long (45 cm). Dense racemes of long-lasting, funnel-shaped, palest reddish violet blooms appear in early to midsummer, rising on scapes 48 in. tall (120 cm).

Among the largest hostas, 'Empress Wu' (Plantain Lily) is an outstanding perennial forming an impressive, upright, cascading mound of thick, deeply veined, dark blue-green leaves, 18 in. long (45 cm). Dense racemes of long-lasting, funnel-shaped, palest reddish violet blooms appear in early to midsummer, rising on scapes 48 in. tall (120 cm). A popular choice, 'Empress Wu' is a wonderfully good background plant and a favorite among gardeners, but less so with slugs! An outstanding focal point and topic of conversation in your shade garden!

  • Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) and spreads 5-6 ft. (150-180 cm).
  • Performs best in part shade to full shade in fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Shelter from cold, dry winds.
  • Perfect for the shade garden, mixed with other perennials in bed and borders, city gardens, cottage gardens or containers. Great as a ground cover.
  • Watch for slugs and snails which could damage the attractive foliage.
  • Cut off the stems after blooming to encourage the plant's growth. Discolored leaves should be trimmed back to the ground.
  • Propagate by division in early spring or late summer.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 9

Heat Zones 1
– 8

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Hosta – Plantain Lilies
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spread 5'
– 6'
(150cm
– 180cm)
Spacing 72″ (180cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Attracts Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden