The Empress Wu hosta is a genuine head-turner in terms of appearance. Envision a grand, lush mound of foliage that takes center stage. Its leaves are the main attraction—vast, expansive, and heart-shaped, often reaching 18 inches in length and width.

They’re a rich, dark green with a slightly glossy sheen, and they have pronounced veins that give them a textured, almost quilted look. The leaves grow in a dense, overlapping arrangement, forming an upright clump that can reach 3 to 4 feet tall and spread 5 to 6 feet wide when fully mature. In early to midsummer, it sends up sturdy flower stalks that tower above the foliage, sometimes reaching 4 to 5 feet high. These stalks are topped with clusters of tubular, pale reddish-violet (or sometimes lavender) flowers. The blooms are subtle compared to the bold leaves but add a nice contrast and attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.

Aesthetically, it resembles a living sculpture—striking, theatrical, and slightly imposing, yet balanced by its elegant contours and cool hues. Ideal for a shaded area where you desire a commanding presence without direct sunlight.