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.