About
A tender evergreen perennial to 4m, with an upright habit. Requires the protection of a warm greenhouse or conservatory in winter. It produces huge, red-flushed leaves which add a tropical feel to any garden.
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 typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity 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
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