The Undisputed Giant of the Shade Garden
Hosta 'Empress Wu' is the largest registered hosta in the world, introduced through the Proven Winners® Shadowland® program. B. & V. Skaggs registered it in 2008 from a self-cross of H. 'Big John'. At maturity, the enormous dark green leaves sweep outward to the ground, creating a dramatic living canopy. It thrives across Canadian hardiness zones and handles our winters with ease. Plant it as a bold centrepiece where scale and presence are the goal.
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Size: Reaches 127 cm (50") tall and 274 cm (108") wide at full maturity — a true landscape giant that commands attention.
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Leaves: Massive dark green broadly ovate leaves, 71 cm (28") long × 64 cm (25") wide, with 17–18 vein pairs, slightly shiny on top and glaucous underneath.
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Seasonal Interest: Leaves emerge upright on younger plants; as the clump matures, the centre pushes outer leaves outward to sweep the ground. A slight glaucous coat appears on top in spring.
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Flowers: Pale lavender tubular blooms on scapes 117–147 cm (46–58") tall in late June to early July. Sets viable seeds in green pods.
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Hardiness: Zones 3–9 — reliably cold-hardy coast to coast across Canada.
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Light: Partial to full shade.
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Growth Rate: Fast — this cultivar establishes and fills out quickly for its size.
| Feature |
Specification |
| Size (H × W) |
127 cm × 274 cm (50" × 108") |
| Hardiness Zone |
3–9 |
| Colour |
Dark green |
| Light Requirements |
Partial to full shade |
Grower's Tip: 'Empress Wu' is one of the most cold-hardy giants we grow, performing reliably from Zone 3 through 9 — it handles Canadian winters with ease from Victoria, BC to Halifax, NS. At our nursery in Bécancour, QC, we verify the characteristic leaf sweep and dark green colouration before shipping. Our True to Type standard means you receive the authentic 'Empress Wu'.
