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
Deluxe
Hosta
'Forbidden Fruit'
plantain lily
There is something quietly indulgent about Hosta 'Forbidden Fruit', a plantain lily that brings a sense of depth and polish to shaded borders. Forming a handsome, slowly expanding clump, Hosta 'Forbidden Fruit' is defined by its thick, generously proportioned leaves, each one painted with a softly glowing cream to pale-yellow centre, framed by a broad margin of blueish-green that deepens as the season matures. The foliage has a substantial, almost sculptural quality, lending structure to woodland planting schemes and containers alike. Awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit, Hosta 'Forbidden Fruit' is as reliable as it is decorative, thriving in moist, well-drained soil where its colours develop best away from harsh sun.
In summer, Hosta 'Forbidden Fruit' adds another layer of interest as upright stems rise neatly above the foliage, carrying elegant lavender flowers that hover lightly, much loved by bees. This variety is particularly effective when allowed space to show off its symmetry, pairing beautifully with ferns, epimediums and other shade-loving companions. As the leaves unfurl in spring, the contrast between centre and margin is at its most vivid, mellowing gently into a richer, more harmonious palette by late season. Long-lived and undemanding, Hosta 'Forbidden Fruit' is a plantain lily that rewards patience with year-on-year improvement, becoming more characterful with every passing season.
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 'Forbidden Fruit'ᴾᴮᴿ (v)
- Flower colour
- Purple
- Established height
- 50-70cm
- Established spread
- 50-70cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Clump-forming
Spreading - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Cream, green, 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 - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Perfect for pots
Pollinator-friendly
Great for shade
RHS Recommended
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Low maintenance
-30%
Paeonia 'Lemon Chiffon'
Regular price
£45.50
Sale price
£65.00
-30%
Allium azureum
Regular price
£2.73
Sale price
£3.90
-30%
Allium 'Purple Sensation'
Regular price
£3.43
Sale price
£4.90
-30%
Fritillaria meleagris 'Mix'
Regular price
£4.34
Sale price
£6.20
-30%
Tulip 'Queen of Night'
Regular price
£4.83
Sale price
£6.90
-40%
Narcissus 'Double Mixed'
Regular price
£4.50
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.
