Hosta Empress Wu

Planting and Site Selection

• Light Requirements: Hosta 'Empress Wu' grows best in partial to full shade. While it can tolerate morning sun, too much direct afternoon sunlight can scorch the leaves. Dappled shade is ideal.

• Soil Preferences: Prefers rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Loamy soils enriched with compost or leaf mold will help retain moisture and support healthy growth.

• Moisture Needs: Requires consistently moist soil, especially during the growing season. Avoid dry locations or areas with poor water retention.

• Location Tips: Plant in a sheltered area protected from strong winds, which can damage the large leaves. It's perfect for shady borders, woodland gardens, or as a dramatic focal point in a shaded bed.

• Planting Time: Spring or early fall is the best time to plant Empress Wu. This allows roots to establish before temperature extremes.

• Spacing: Due to its impressive mature size, space plants 4 to 5 feet apart to allow for full expansion and air circulation.

Ongoing Maintenance and Care

• Watering: Water deeply and regularly, particularly during dry spells. Avoid overhead watering if possible to minimize the risk of fungal leaf spots. Mulching helps retain soil moisture.

• Fertilizing: Feed in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10). Reapply lightly in midsummer if growth appears sluggish. Compost can also be used annually as a natural feed.

• Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the plant to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch away from the crown to prevent rot.

• Pruning and Cleanup: Remove damaged or yellowing leaves throughout the growing season to keep the plant tidy. Cut the foliage back to the ground after the first frost in autumn.

• Dividing: Hostas do not require frequent division, but if needed for size control or propagation, divide in early spring or late summer. Use a sharp spade to split clumps and replant immediately.

• Pest Management: Slugs and snails are common pests, especially in damp conditions. Use slug traps, copper barriers, or organic pellets as needed. Deer may also browse on hostas, so consider repellents or fencing in deer-prone areas.

• Disease Prevention: Keep foliage dry and avoid overcrowding to reduce risk of crown rot and fungal diseases. Ensure good air flow and avoid planting in soggy locations.

Appearance and Seasonal Interest

• Size and Growth Habit: Empress Wu is one of the largest hostas available, reaching up to 4–5 feet tall and 6–8 feet wide at maturity. It forms an impressive clump of upright, deeply veined foliage.

• Foliage: Features giant, dark green, corrugated leaves that can grow up to 18 inches long and 12 inches wide. The foliage creates bold texture and structure in shade gardens.

• Flowering: Produces pale lavender to soft violet flowers on tall scapes in early to midsummer. While not the primary feature, the blooms do attract hummingbirds.

• Companion Plants: Pairs well with ferns, astilbes, heucheras, and other shade-loving perennials. Also complements smaller hostas for layered visual contrast.

• Winter Care: As a herbaceous perennial, Empress Wu will die back in winter. After cutting back in autumn, apply mulch to insulate the crown against extreme cold, especially in colder USDA zones.

• Hardiness: Suitable for USDA Zones 3–9, making it adaptable across a wide range of climates.

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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