Overview
Hosta 'Empress Wu' is a clump-forming perennial in the genus Hosta, part of the Q157167 family, with deciduous foliage. 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
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- 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.
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Hosta 'Empress Wu'?
Prefers moist, fertile soil in partial to full shade; mulch to retain moisture; protect from slugs.
Where is the best place to plant Hosta 'Empress Wu'?
Hosta 'Empress Wu' prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hosta 'Empress Wu' need?
Hosta 'Empress Wu' grows best in rich and well-drained soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Hosta 'Empress Wu'?
Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring; cut back flower stalks after blooming.
Is Hosta 'Empress Wu' hardy in the UK?
Hosta 'Empress Wu' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Hosta 'Empress Wu'?
Division in spring or autumn.
Is Hosta 'Empress Wu' toxic?
Toxic to pets.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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More in the Hosta genus
- Hostaplantain lily
- Hosta 'Dust Devil' (_fortunei_) (v)Hosta
- Hosta 'Francee'Hosta
- Hosta 'Honeybells'plantain lily 'Honeybells'
- Hosta 'Kabitan'Plantain Lily
- Hosta 'Krossa Regal'plantain lily 'Krossa Regal'
- Hosta 'Royal Standard'plantain lily 'Royal Standard'
- Hosta albomarginataPlantain Lily
