Perennials
Hosta 'Empress Wu'
Empress Wu hosta
Also known as: Plantain lily
An enormous hosta with deeply veined, dark green leaves and an upright mound. Allow generous space for its full mature footprint. It may take about five years in the ground to reach full size.
At a glance
- Sun
- Part shade; shelter from hot afternoon sun
- Mature size
- 3–4 ft. foliage tall × 5–6 ft. wide
- Water
- Even moisture; well-drained soil
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 3–9
- Bloom
- Pale reddish violet; early–midsummer.
Sizes & prices
- #1$19.99
Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.
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Resistance & tolerances
- Drought
- Best with consistent moisture; water during dry spells.
- Wet soil
- Avoid soggy ground, especially in winter.
- Deer & rabbits
- Susceptible to browsing. Susceptible to browsing.
Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.
Pollinators & wildlife
- Attracts
- Hummingbirds
Keep in mind: Toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
Seasonal interest
- Foliage
- Dies back for winter.
Growing & care
- Soil
- Rich, moisture-retentive soil with good drainage.
- Maintenance
- Watch for slugs.
- Division
- Divide established clumps in early spring.
- Pruning
- Remove damaged leaves as needed. Cut down dead foliage and old flower stalks after autumn dieback.
Sources & photo credits
Image notes: Hosta 'Empress Wu' at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / CC0. Uncropped photograph. Purple flowers belong to neighboring alliums.
Reviewed September 21, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.