Hosta Empress Wu

Funkia, Plantain Lily

Note: This is an archive page preserved for informational use.
Cultural and Growing Info is provided below.


Dark green leaves can reach 1 1/2' across

Immense dark green leaves can reach 1 ½’ across! Lavender blooms in mid summer are held just above the massive leaves. Will take several years to reach mature width, but so worth it. Proven Winners® selections are trialed and tested to be colorful, long blooming, carefree and easy to grow.

Hosta thrive in shade, even when in competition with tree roots, hurray! It is hard to find a garden that won’t benefit from incorporating some Hosta.

Code HOEW

Patent PP20,774

Plant Type Perennials

Species

Height Tall 3-4' (4' in flower)

Spacing Plant 5-6' apart

Bloom Time Mid-Summer to Late Summer

Sun / Shade Mostly Sunny to Mostly Shady

Zones 3-9

Soil Type Normal, Acidic

Sold In Plantable Pots (3.5x3.5x4")

Special Product

Proven Winners

These varieties have been proven in trials around the world to be vigorous and easy to grow. Best of all, Proven Winners are known to be absolutely covered with vibrant, long-blooming flowers.

Special Features

  • Attracts Hummingbirds
  • Dry Shade Tolerant
  • Humidity Tolerant
  • OK in Containers
  • Shade Tolerant

Hosta General Information

Hosta display lush foliage in diverse colors, heights, and textures. Their ability to excel in shade has captured gardeners' hearts everywhere. Good selection for the coldest areas (zones 3 & 4), good selection for Gulf states (zones 8, 9, & 10). Idaho has restricted all potted plant material from being shipped into Idaho at this time.

Hosta Plant Care

Hosta are generally carefree. Remove the spent flower stalks if seeding is not wanted. (Not all varieties will seed.) Be aware that seedlings are rarely true to the parent plant. Unwanted or damaged leaves can be clipped off at the base at any time. The entire plant will die back for the winter and spent foliage can usually be raked or clipped off easily in late fall or early spring. Can be divided in spring or fall every 3-5 years if desired.

Plantable Pots

Our plants are grown in 3.5x3.5x4” plantable pots. Made from 100% biodegradable coconut husk fibers (coir), these pots have tremendous advantages over plastic pots. With better air exchange, this "breathable" pot fosters robust root growth and reduces transplant shock since you can plant the pots directly in the ground. The pot naturally becomes part of the soil on its own over time—no composting required—and since they're made from a renewable resource that requires very little energy, they're earth-friendly too!

100% Guarantee

We offer a 100% guarantee for all our perennials to reach you in good condition and to grow. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!

Shipping Details

We use custom, earth-friendly packaging to make sure your order arrives in great condition, and we ship based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.

Spring

  • Zones 3, 4: Early to Mid May
  • Zone 5: Late April to Early May
  • Zone 6: Mid to Late April
  • Zone 7: Early to Mid April
  • Zones 8, 9 10: Early April

Fall

  • Zone 2, 3, 4: Early September
  • Zone 5: Early to Mid September
  • Zone 6: Mid September
  • Zone 7: Mid to Late September
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Late September to Early October