Empress Wu Hosta
 
Huge dark green, deeply veined leaves of good substance can measure more than 1½ feet 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. 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!
A top seller!  Hostas are exceedingly popular perennials in today's gardens due to their versatility in the landscape. Their subtle colors, tall flower scapes, and broad, coarse leaves fill a niche in garden designs that few other plants can achieve. Their large leaves provide excellent coverage for dying bulb foliage. Hostas also grow well in city environments where the air may be polluted by car exhaust, etc.
 
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
Sunlight:
 
Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Water Requirements:
 
Average Water Needs
Consistent Water Needs
Soil Quality:
 
Average Soil Quality
Fertile Soil Quality
Soil Chemistry:
 
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Bloomtime:
 
Early Summer
Midsummer
Attracts Wings:
 
Attracts Hummingbirds
Growth Rate:
 
Rapid
Garden Style:
 
Asian
Cottage
Eclectic
Formal
Woodland Shade
Other Features:
 
Border Plant
Cut Foliage
Easy To Grow
Attractive Foliage
Specimen
Focal Point
 
Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.