• Giant
  • Perennial
  • Zones 3–9
  • Lavender
  • Single

Empress Wu

Perennial giant hosta in lavender, blooming in early summer and midsummer. Pale lavender to light reddish violet bell-shaped flowers on scapes about 4 to 5 feet tall above the foliage. USDA zones 3–9.

Cross-referenced · 3 sources

Where to buy

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Leaves of Empress Wu hosta up close
Leaves of Empress Wu hosta up close

2 / 2

A Empress Wu hosta clump growing in a shade garden
A Empress Wu hosta clump growing in a shade garden

At a glance

Flower form
Giant Single
Colors
  • Lavender
Blooms
Early summer, Midsummer
Vase life
Not grown for cutting
Height
3–4 ft (91–122 cm) Spread: 5–6 ft (152–183 cm)
Sunlight
Part shade, Full shade
Hardiness
USDA zones 3–9 Perennial
Planted as
Plant
Botanical name
Hosta hybrid

In the garden

  • Hummingbirds
  • Frequently severely damaged by deer (Rutgers rating)

Find your frost dates and zone by ZIP code

Origin

Patented giant hosta (PP20774) derived from 'Big John', listed by Plant Delights as B. Skaggs 2008; Proven Winners National Hosta of the Year 2023 in the Shadowland collection.

Bred by B. Skaggs, 2008

Sources

Where to buy

Prices rechecked daily
  • Spring Hill NurseryLive plant

    PREMIUM / 1 Plant(s) | Ships in Fall

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    $22.49Checked Oct 14, 2026
  • Plant Delights NurseryLive plant

    Pack size not listed

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    $30.00Checked Oct 14, 2026
  • Nature Hills NurseryLive plant

    #1 Container

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    $44.23Checked Oct 14, 2026
  • Garden Goods DirectLive plant

    1 Gallon Pot

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    $49.95Checked Oct 14, 2026
  • Breck'sLive plant

    Pack size not listed

    Check availability

    $55.99Checked Oct 14, 2026

We may earn a commission when you buy through these links. Your price stays the same. Prices checked Oct 14, 2026.

All photos

  • Leaves of Empress Wu hosta up close
    Leaves of Empress Wu hosta up close
  • A Empress Wu hosta clump growing in a shade garden
    A Empress Wu hosta clump growing in a shade garden

Questions

Is Empress Wu hardy in my zone?

Empress Wu survives winter in the ground in USDA zones 3 to 9. In colder zones treat it as an annual or lift it before the ground freezes.

Does Empress Wu need full sun?

Empress Wu grows in part shade or full shade.

When does Empress Wu bloom?

Empress Wu blooms in early summer and midsummer.

Is Empress Wu good for cutting?

Our sources don't list Empress Wu as a cut flower or give a vase life for it.

See also

See all →
Leaves of Blue Angel hosta up close Blue Angel Giant blue-green hosta forming a 3 by 4 foot mound, with pale lavender to white summer flowers. GiantMidsummerTall
Leaves of Blue Hawaii hosta up close Blue Hawaii Vase-shaped hosta with large, heart-shaped, powdery blue leaves and pale lavender summer flowers. GiantEarly summerTall
Leaves of Earth Angel hosta up close Earth Angel Large to giant hosta with blue-green heart-shaped leaves and wide creamy white margins. GiantMidsummerTall
Leaves of Frances Williams hosta up close Frances Williams Giant hosta with corrugated blue-green leaves and wide chartreuse to yellow margins. GiantMidsummerMedium height

Same colors

See all →
Leaves of August Moon hosta up close August Moon Gold-leaved hosta with seersuckered leaves in a 20 to 24 inch mound and pale lavender to white flowers. LargeLate summerMedium height
Leaves of Autumn Frost hosta up close Autumn Frost Sport of First Frost with blue leaves and extra wide yellow to cream margins in a 12 inch mound. MediumMidsummerMedium height
Leaves of Blue Cadet hosta up close Blue Cadet Compact hosta with heart-shaped blue leaves in a round 12 inch clump and lavender flowers. SmallLate springMedium height
Leaves of Blue Mouse Ears hosta up close Blue Mouse Ears Miniature hosta with thick, round blue-green leaves in a symmetrical 8 inch mound. MiniMidsummerCompact

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