Hosta 'Empress Wu' (Plantain Lily)
Plantain Lily 'Empress Wu', 'Empress Wu' Hosta
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.
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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 |
Walters Gardens Inc
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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 |