Among the largest Hostas, 'Empress WU' (Plaintain Lily) is an outstanding perennial forming an impressive, upright, cascading mound of thick, deeply veined, dark blue-green leaves, 18 in. long (45 cm). Dense racemes of long-lasting, funnel-shaped, palest reddish violet blooms appear in early to midsummer, rising on scapes 48 in. tall (120 cm). A popular choice, 'Empress Wu' is a wonderfully good background plant and a favourite amoung gardeners, but less so with slugs! An outstanding focal point and topic of conversation in your shade garden. A part shade to full shade lover, it is best grown in rich, moist, well-drained soils.