Hosta Empress Wu

Hosta 'Empress Wu' Overview

Hosta 'Empress Wu' is a magnificent perennial that stands out in any garden with its impressive size and lush foliage. Known for its large, heart-shaped leaves and striking presence, this Hosta variety is a perfect choice for creating a dramatic focal point in shaded or partially shaded garden areas. Whether used as a standalone specimen or as part of a lush, green landscape, Hosta 'Empress Wu' offers year-round interest and beauty.

Key Features of Hosta 'Empress Wu'

• Botanical Name: Hosta 'Empress Wu'
• Common Name: Empress Wu Hosta
• Leaf Color: Dark green with a hint of blue
• Leaf Shape: Large, heart-shaped, and corrugated
• Bloom Time: Mid to late summer (July to August)
• Flower Color: Lavender to pale purple
• Height: 75-90 cm (30-36 inches)
• Spread: 90-120 cm (36-48 inches)
• Light Requirements: Partial to full shade
• Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 3-9

Planting and Growing Hosta 'Empress Wu'

Planting Instructions

1. Location Selection: Hosta 'Empress Wu' thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for under trees, in woodland gardens, or shaded borders. It prefers cooler, shaded locations where it can avoid the harsh midday sun.

2. Soil Preparation: This Hosta variety thrives in rich, well-drained soil. Improve soil fertility by adding compost or well-rotted manure before planting. The soil should be loose and well-aerated to ensure healthy root development and to prevent waterlogging.

3. Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly. Space plants 90-120 cm (36-48 inches) apart to accommodate their mature spread.

4. Spacing: Proper spacing is crucial for allowing the large leaves of Hosta 'Empress Wu' to reach their full potential and to avoid overcrowding. Ensure at least 90-120 cm (36-48 inches) between plants to allow for their natural growth and to enhance air circulation.

Maintenance Tips for Hosta 'Empress Wu'

To keep Hosta 'Empress Wu' healthy and thriving, follow these essential maintenance tips:

Watering

• Frequency: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Hosta plants prefer evenly moist soil but should not be waterlogged. Regular watering is essential to support their large foliage.
• Method: Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal issues. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to maintain consistent moisture levels without causing waterlogging.

Fertilizing

• Timing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins. This helps to promote robust growth and a lush, healthy appearance throughout the growing season.
• Type: Choose a fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (e.g., 10-10-10). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dosage and application frequency to avoid over-fertilizing.

Pruning and Deadheading

• Pruning: Remove any dead or damaged leaves in early spring before new growth emerges. This helps to maintain a tidy appearance and encourages fresh, vibrant growth.
• Deadheading: While Hosta flowers are primarily decorative, deadheading spent flower stalks can help direct the plant’s energy towards foliage growth rather than seed production.

Pest and Disease Control

• Monitoring: Hosta 'Empress Wu' can be susceptible to pests such as slugs and snails. Regularly inspect plants and address any infestations with appropriate treatments, such as slug pellets or natural predators.
• Disease Prevention: To prevent diseases such as powdery mildew or crown rot, ensure proper spacing for good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Remove and discard any infected plant material promptly to prevent the spread of disease.

Design Ideas for Hosta 'Empress Wu'

Companion Plants

Hosta 'Empress Wu' pairs beautifully with a variety of other shade-loving plants to create a stunning garden display:

• Ferns: Combine with ferns such as Japanese Painted Ferns for a lush, textural contrast. The delicate fronds of ferns complement the bold foliage of Hosta 'Empress Wu'.
• Astilbes: Plant alongside Astilbes for a blend of bold foliage and colorful blooms. The feathery flowers of Astilbes add a vertical element to the garden.
• Heucheras: Combine with Heucheras for a mix of contrasting foliage colors and textures. The vibrant leaves of Heucheras provide a striking contrast to the large, green leaves of Hosta 'Empress Wu'.

Landscaping Tips

• Shade Gardens: Ideal for creating a lush, green backdrop in shade gardens or woodland settings. The large leaves of Hosta 'Empress Wu' provide a dramatic effect in low-light areas.
• Garden Borders: Perfect for use in garden borders or as an edging plant. The expansive foliage creates a striking border and adds a touch of elegance to shaded garden areas.
• Container Planting: Suitable for planting in large containers for shaded patios or verandas. Ensure containers have good drainage and use a high-quality potting mix.

Conclusion

Hosta 'Empress Wu' is a majestic and versatile perennial that enhances any garden with its impressive size and lush foliage. Ideal for shaded or partially shaded areas, this Hosta variety offers year-round interest and beauty. Visit our garden centre to discover this stunning plant and see how it can elevate the charm and elegance of your outdoor space

• Size
  3L

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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