Empress Wu Hosta

Hosta 'Empress Wu'

Proven Winners®

The Tallest Hosta Cultivar with Massive Dark Green Leaves and Upright Growth Habit
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-9
Grows 3-4 ft Tall, 5-6 ft Wide
Showy Purple Blooms From Late Summer to Early Fall
Great Choice for Mass Planting in Asian Gardens

$44²³

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for less than four hours of direct sun, ideally morning sun only with protection from intense afternoon rays. As a blue-green variety, the thick, waxy coating that gives the leaves their color will begin to "melt" and turn the foliage a duller green if exposed to too much hot sun, or worse, scorch the edges.
Soil: Hostas thrive in rich, loamy soil that drains well but holds consistent moisture. If your soil is heavy clay, work in significant amounts of compost or aged manure to improve aeration; for sandy soil, use the same organic amendments to boost water retention.

Watering Requirements

During the establishment period (the first year), your 'Empress Wu' will need consistent deep watering—at least one inch per week—to encourage a deep, robust root system capable of supporting its massive future foliage. Once mature, it is more tolerant of brief dry spells due to its thick leaves, but inconsistent watering will lead to yellowing leaves, wilted margins, and significantly reduced leaf size, preventing it from reaching its impressive 6-foot spread.

Pruning Tips

Hosta foliage and flowers do not bloom on old or new wood, but rather grow from the crown. Pruning is simply about maintenance: in mid-to-late summer, clip spent flower scapes (stalks) back to the base of the plant to redirect the plant's energy away from setting seed and back into root and foliage development. In the fall, wait until the leaves have fully browned after a hard frost before cutting the dead foliage to the ground; this ensures the plant has successfully translocated all necessary nutrients back to the crown for winter storage.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring as the new pips (shoots) emerge from the ground to fuel the season's massive growth spurt. Scratch the fertilizer lightly into the soil around the drip line, taking care not to let it touch the emerging crown. What to avoid: Do not apply high-nitrogen lawn fertilizer in late summer or fall, as this encourages soft, late-season growth that is highly vulnerable to frost damage and will not harden off properly for winter dormancy.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

The Tallest Hosta around! The Empress Wu Hosta, (Hosta 'Empress Wu') is a very impressive Hosta that rises above any other Hosta plant! It was named in honor of the only female emperor to rule China and it carries on the legacy beautifully.

Empress Wu produces a strong clump-forming plant that is a fast grower with an outstanding upright growth habit. It boasts dark green leaves that are simply massive! You simply have to see for yourself to believe their size! The pale lavender trumpet-shaped blooms appear in the summer on tall scapes that attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden and add lovely blooms to your cut flower bouquets!

With leaves easily twice the size of dinner plates, we suggest lifting up the lowest level of foliage to water underneath. Otherwise, a simple overhead watering may be deflected by the greenery, leaving the roots just as dry as they were before. Spreading a fantastic 5-6 feet in width and growing 3-4 feet in height when in bloom! Hardy throughout USDA growing zones 3-9.

Planting and Application:

Try planting this impressive Empress Wu in a particularly shady area of your garden to create a large-scale specimen and focal point. We promise it'll grow to be quite the spectacle sure to be noticed by guests and neighbors alike. These are eye-catching anchors to garden beds in the understory, or create a very modern wilderness garden! They'll also help control erosion on slopes and gullies, and is a fine size for groundcover, edging, or specimen use!

You could also plant at the base of a wise old oak tree whose shady canopy might not be conducive to full sun perennials. Create a large skirting of soft green, broad leaves that act as great facer plants around large plants, to hide their leggy stems, and as backdrops to your Rose and Pollinators gardens, shady Cottage gardens, and foundation plantings on the shady of your home!

Humungous Dark Green Leave
Light Lavender Flowers Mid-Summer
Supports Hummingbirds & Pollinators
Living Work of Art, Edging, Specimens & Large Planters
Perfect Filler for Shade Gardens
Hosta of the Year Award-Winner by American Hosta Growers

#ProPlantTips for Care:

High-filtered or dappled sunlight is necessary for clean, healthy growth. Because of its size and fast growth rate, Empress Wu demands soil that is consistently moist but not soggy. In order for Empress Wu to reach its mature growth size, it needs consistent soil moisture and is fed three times per season. It is a low-care perennial that is ideal for a shady area. This Perennial grows best in moist, well-drained, highly organic soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Provide moderate yet consistent moisture throughout the growing season and these appreciate a 3-4 inch thick layer of arborist mulch chips to help hold in moisture. It is best to keep areas around Hostas clear of excess leaf debris to reduce the presence of slugs and snails. Deadhead these Perennials after flowers fade, and clean the foliage away from the plant once it dies back in the autumn.

Glorious in Full Shade or Partial Shade
Moderate Moisture & Needs Well-Drained Soil
Appreciates Mulch
Prune in Late Fall After Leaves Die Back
Divide Every Few Years
Extremely Cold Hardy

Empress Wu is tall enough to be added in a back row planting or as a north-facing foundation plant. Finish your shade gardens today by ordering an Empress Wu Hosta from our expert growers at Nature Hills Nursery!

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Growing Zones 3-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Empress Wu Hosta grow well in zones 3-8, and how does it handle harsh winters?

Empress Wu Hosta thrives in USDA zones 3-9, making it exceptionally cold hardy for most regions. This robust perennial handles harsh winters well due to its strong clump-forming nature. Plant it in a protected shady area and mulch around the base for best winter performance.

What is the mature size of Empress Wu Hosta, and how much space should I allocate?

Empress Wu Hosta reaches 3-4 feet tall and spreads 5-6 feet wide, making it the tallest hosta variety. The massive leaves easily exceed dinner plate size, creating an impressive focal point in zones 3-9. Plan for at least 6 feet of spacing to accommodate its full spread when shopping at Nature Hills.

How much sun or shade does Empress Wu Hosta need for optimal growth?

Empress Wu Hosta thrives in shade to partial shade conditions. This massive hosta is specifically recommended for shady areas where it can serve as a dramatic focal point. Plant it under tree canopies or in areas that don't receive full sun for best results.

How do I care for Empress Wu Hosta, including fertilization and maintenance?

Empress Wu Hosta thrives in shade with minimal care once established in zones 3-9. Water beneath the massive leaves rather than overhead to reach the roots effectively. Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring and divide every 4-5 years to maintain vigor.

What pests and diseases affect Empress Wu Hosta, and how do I prevent them?

Hostas face slugs, snails, and crown rot as primary threats. The massive leaves of Empress Wu require careful watering underneath the foliage to prevent fungal issues. Apply slug bait in spring and ensure good drainage when planting this impressive variety available at naturehills.com.

Can I plant Empress Wu Hosta under trees like pines, and will it thrive there?

Empress Wu Hosta thrives under trees, including pines, as it's specifically designed for shady conditions. This massive hosta (5-6 feet wide, 3-4 feet tall) works perfectly under tree canopies in zones 3-9. Plant it at the base to create an impressive living skirt that hides leggy tree trunks.

Is Empress Wu Hosta safe if my dog or pets eat the leaves?

Hostas are toxic to dogs and cats if ingested, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. The large 3-4 foot Empress Wu leaves are particularly concerning due to their massive size. Keep pets away from hosta plantings and contact your veterinarian immediately if consumption occurs.