About
An upright, fast-growing, banana-like perennial, about 4m tall, with huge, paddle shaped, slightly glaucous-tinged, bright olive-green leaves, and thick midribs, bright red beneath. Ideal for a tropical garden but requires the protection of a warm greenhouse or conservatory in winter.
About the genus
Ensete are robust evergreen perennials forming a short stem, with large paddle-shaped leaves and pendent terminal clusters of cup-shaped flowers, followed by dry banana-like fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Care notes
CultivationGrow outdoors in a frost-free area in humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade. Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based compost with shade from hot sun. Water freely and apply a balanced liquid feed every two weeks in the growing season. See banana cultivation for further information
PruningNo pruning required, but cut dead leaves no lower than the base of each leaf
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed at 21°C in spring; germination may be erratic
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, aphids and mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free