Bob Kuk of Kuk's Forest in Ohio registered this H. 'Wayside Blue' seedling in 1990. It forms a medium size (10-14 inches high by 18 inches wide), dense mound of heart-shaped, slightly wavy leaves. In July, it produces dense clusters of lavender flowers.

 

According to The Hostapedia by Mark Zilis (2009), "In overall appearance, 'Golden Empress' resembles such cultivars as 'Birchwood Parky's Gold' and 'Gold Drop' rather than the golden 'Tokudama' type one might expect. ('Wayside Blue' is a 'Tokudama' seedling.)"

The New Encyclopedia of Hostas by Diana Grenfell (2009) states: "Site in sun in cooler climates, which is unusual in a plant of H. 'Tokudama' ancestry. Site in dappled to full shade in hotter climates. Increases rapidly."