Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Out of season
New
Hosta
'Monkey Business'
plantain lily
There are hostas, and then there are hostas! Choose the recently-introduced cultivar Hosta 'Monkey Business', and you will have a plantain lily that will turn heads. It is a fantastic new sport from the popular Hosta cultivar 'Funky Monkey' and, in our view, it is even better. It has long leaves with a bright apple green centre, and a dramatic, wide, creamy yellow margin. In full sun, the margins become almost white. The colour difference is among some of the most significant contrasts found in any Hosta. Not only this, but the leaves of Hosta 'Monkey Business' are held high on majestic, stiff, deep purple-red stems.
The plant’s overall height is just 40-45cm, making it perfect for the front of a bed or border, or for use in a patio pot. With a long season of interest (don’t forget, that lavender-purple blooms appear in mid-summer, as well) and being a great eye-catcher, Hosta 'Monkey Business' is a must-have cultivar for any serious Hosta collector. As long as its soil does not dry out, it will grow into a gorgeous compact plant, and delight all who see it.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Hosta 'Monkey Business'
- Established height
- 30-50cm
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Clump-forming
Upright - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green, creamy yellow
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 5 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Damp
Free draining - Soil type
-
Loam
Clay
Loam-based compost
Multipurpose compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Ground cover
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Partial shade
Dappled shade
Full shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Perfect for pots
Pollinator-friendly
Great for shade
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Low maintenance
-20%
Paeonia 'Lemon Chiffon'
Regular price
£52.00
Sale price
£65.00
-20%
Allium azureum
Regular price
£3.12
Sale price
£3.90
-20%
Allium 'Purple Sensation'
Regular price
£3.92
Sale price
£4.90
-20%
Fritillaria meleagris 'Mix'
Regular price
£4.96
Sale price
£6.20
-20%
Tulip 'Queen of Night'
Regular price
£5.52
Sale price
£6.90
-30%
Narcissus 'Double Mixed'
Regular price
£5.25
Sale price
£7.50
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.
Better by nature
From cultivation to packaging and delivery, we are always looking for ways to lessen our environmental impact.
Growing together
Our care team of horticultural experts is on hand to support you choose and garden with confidence.
World of wonders
A collection of world-renowned flower bulbs and perennials of exceptional beauty and character.
Chosen to thrive
Every bulb and plant is sourced, selected and prepared with an expert eye for their quality and garden performance.
