Hosta 'Empress Wu' (Empress Wu) — perennial

Overview

Hosta 'Empress Wu' is a perennial in the genus Hosta, part of the Q157167 family. Hosta 'Empress Wu' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates rich and well-drained soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include groundcover, shade garden and borders.

About

Hosta 'Empress Wu' is a perennial cultivar of the Hosta genus, known for its shade tolerance and suitability for moist, fertile soils. It thrives in partial to full shade and prefers a sheltered aspect such as north, east, or west-facing locations. This cultivar is ideal for use as groundcover, in shade gardens, or borders. It requires rich, well-drained soil with a range of pH levels from acidic to alkaline and benefits from mulching to retain moisture. 'Empress Wu' is hardy in the UK (H5) but is toxic to pets and should be protected from slugs.

About the genus

Hosta is a genus of plants commonly known as hostas, plantain lilies and occasionally by the Japanese name gibōshi. Hostas are widely cultivated as shade-tolerant foliage plants. The genus is placed in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae, and is native to northeast Asia.

Wikipedia contributors, "Hosta", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hosta

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hosta

Sunlight: partial shade, shade
Soil type: rich, well-drained
Soil pH: acidic, neutral, alkaline
Soil moisture: moist
Aspect: north, east, west
Exposure: sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Hosta 'Empress Wu' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: groundcover, shade garden, borders
Fragrance: none
Toxicity: toxic to pets

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hosta 'Empress Wu'

Cultivation: Prefers moist, fertile soil in partial to full shade; mulch to retain moisture; protect from slugs.
Pruning: Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring; cut back flower stalks after blooming.
Propagation: Division in spring or autumn.