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Is Hosta ‘Empress Wu’ the largest hosta in the world?

If there is one hosta that can silence even an experienced collector for a moment, it is Hosta ‘Empress Wu’. This giant cultivar is often mentioned as one of the largest hostas ever introduced. A mature clump can reach around 110–130 cm in height and spread up to 240–270 cm across. The thick, dark green leaves are deeply veined and can easily exceed 60 cm in length. Next to this plant, even large hostas look like dwarfs.

‘Empress Wu’ is not just another shade perennial. It is a landscape element in itself – a living green sculpture that dominates the planting and naturally attracts the eye. In a few years it becomes the focal point of the shady part of the garden, a true monument of foliage.

Origin and Breeding

The story of ‘Empress Wu’ begins in the garden of American hobby breeders Brian and Virginia Skaggs. They started as passionate plant lovers, gradually specializing in hostas. Over the years they experimented with many crosses and selections, searching for plants with stronger growth, larger leaves and impressive presence in the garden.

‘Empress Wu’ arose from a seedling of the famous giant Hosta ‘Big John’. Behind this cross, however, lies a more complex genetic background linked to old Hosta sieboldiana hybrids, especially those derived from the legendary cultivar ‘Elegans’. These sieboldiana lines are known for their massive, often blue-green leaves and for their excellent hardiness. It is therefore not surprising that exactly from this group came one of the largest hostas the garden world knows today.

Hosta ‘Empress Wu’ is a selected seedling of Hosta ‘Big John’ (Clarence Owens, 1986), a cultivar known for its enormous leaves. In 2007, Danny van Eechaute from Belgium measured an impressive 61 cm leaf on his own ‘Empress Wu’—a size that would represent a new world record. The current record is held by a 53 cm leaf of the original Hosta ‘Big John’ (the parent of ‘Empress Wu’), measured by Mark Zilis in Clarence Owens’ garden in Jackson, Michigan (USA).

In 2008, Brian and Virginia registered ‘Empress Wu’ and a few years later the plant was introduced to the wider public by Walters Gardens within the Shadowland® collection. From that moment on, the cultivar quickly spread among collectors and shade–garden enthusiasts across Europe and overseas. Many gardeners remember seeing a mature clump of ‘Empress Wu’ for the first time – it is one of those plants you simply do not forget.

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The original clump of Hosta ‘Empress Wu’ in the garden of Brian and Virginia Skaggs (Photo: Brian & Virginia Skaggs).

Seasonal Appearance and Growth

One of the interesting features of ‘Empress Wu’ is its seasonal colour change. In spring, the emerging leaves are covered by a light glaucous layer that gives them a subtle blue tone. As the season progresses, this waxy coating gradually disappears and the foliage turns a strong, rich green, sometimes with a slightly greyish cast in midsummer. The leaves are thick and heavy, with pronounced veins that catch the light and give the whole clump a sculptural character.

The plant does not rush. During the first years it concentrates on building a strong root system. Even young plants already make very large leaves, but the true giant only reveals itself after several seasons in the ground. Under good conditions a clump reaches its full size roughly after five years without division or moving.

In early to mid-summer the foliage is complemented by tall flower scapes that rise just above the leaves. They carry pale lavender, tubular flowers. On a plant of this size they look rather delicate and airy, and many gardeners keep them mainly for the benefit of pollinators. The main attraction of ‘Empress Wu’ will always be her impressive foliage.

A young Hosta ‘Empress Wu’ does not differ from similar cultivars (Photo: D. Zúbriková).

Growing Conditions – What Does the Empress Need?

To show her full majesty, ‘Empress Wu’ needs space, moisture and rich soil. The ideal site is partial shade with some morning sun and shade during the hottest part of the day. In cooler regions she tolerates a little more light, but strong afternoon sun may scorch the huge leaves, especially during heat waves.

The soil should be deep, humus–rich and consistently moist but not waterlogged. Generous amounts of compost, leaf mould or well rotted manure at planting time give the plant an excellent start. Regular watering in the first years is essential – the large leaf surface area evaporates a lot of water and the plant repays every extra bucket of water with stronger growth.

Mulching plays an important role. A layer of bark, shredded wood or leaf mould keeps the soil cool and prevents rapid drying out. Mulch also protects the emerging shoots in early spring from temperature swings. Slugs and snails, of course, find the tender shoots of ‘Empress Wu’ very attractive, so mechanical traps or approved chemical preparations are recommended..

Perhaps the most important rule for this cultivar is simple: once planted in a good spot, do not divide and do not move it. Every division sets the plant back by several seasons. Gardeners who allow their plant to grow undisturbed for many years are rewarded with truly record–breaking dimensions.

A mature Hosta ‘Empress Wu’ grown in a large container (Photo: D. Zúbriková).

Why the Name Empress Wu?

The name of this hosta is a direct reference to a remarkable historical personality – Wu Zetian, the only woman in Chinese history who ruled the empire as emperor in her own right. She lived during the Tang dynasty, one of the most prosperous and culturally rich periods of China.

Wu Zetian entered the imperial court as a concubine, but thanks to her intelligence, political instinct and determination she gradually gained power and influence. In 690 she officially proclaimed her own dynasty and became emperor. Her rule was controversial and often very strict, yet she supported education, strengthened the central state administration and promoted major infrastructure projects. Many historians acknowledge her as one of the most capable rulers of her time, despite the dramatic methods she sometimes used.

Her posthumous name can be translated roughly as “the one who rules in accordance with heaven”. It is not hard to see why Brian and Virginia Skaggs chose exactly this name for their giant hosta. In the shade of the garden, ‘Empress Wu’ rises above surrounding plants like a calm, green ruler – powerful, impressive and impossible to overlook.

A massive clump of Hosta ‘Empress Wu’ in the garden of Mr. Danny van Eechaute in Belgium (Photo: Danny van Eechaute).

Design Ideas – Where to plant Empress Wu?

Because of its size, ‘Empress Wu’ is best used as a solitary feature. Plant it where it can be seen from a terrace, garden path or seating area – somewhere you and your visitors naturally look. It is excellent near a pond or stream, where the large leaves reflect beautifully in the water surface. In front of a wall or fence it softens straight lines and creates a natural green backdrop.

Around the base of the plant you can create a “court” of smaller companions: ferns, Brunnera, hellebores, Bergenia or small variegated hostas. They benefit from the shade and form fine–textured contrast to the huge leaves of the Empress. After a few seasons, when the plant reaches its full size, this corner of the garden often becomes the place where visitors instinctively stop and say just one word – “wow”.

For all lovers of big–leaf hostas, ‘Empress Wu’ is a “must have” cultivar. It requires a bit more space and water than common hostas, but it rewards the gardener with an unforgettable presence. If you are looking for a plant that will turn a shady part of your garden into a small kingdom, this giant hosta is an excellent choice.

Hosta ‘Empress Wu’ can be grown in a container, but it reaches its full beauty mainly when planted in open ground (Photo: V. Mirka).

Hosta ‘Empress Wu’ can be grown in a container, but it reaches its full beauty mainly when planted in open ground (Photo: Gerrie Veenstra).

Even large hostas look like dwarfs next to Hosta ‘Empress Wu’ (Photo: D. Zúbriková).

Find hosta Empress Wu in our offer and check its current availability and price. Click here

© This text and photos are protected by intellectual property rights under the Law no. 618/2003 Coll. (the Copyright Act).  

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