Overview
Musa balbisiana 'Black Thai' is a suckering conservatory greenhouse in the genus Musa, part of the Musaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Musa balbisiana 'Black Thai' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1b. Suggested uses include coastal, architectural and wall side borders.
About
Musa balbisiana 'Black Thai' is a cultivar of the Musa genus, which comprises suckering evergreen perennials with large, paddle-like leaves and false stems formed by the bases of their stalks. This cultivar thrives in full sun and prefers a south-facing, sheltered aspect with fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil of neutral pH. Suitable for conservatories, greenhouses, and bedding, it is hardy to H1b and is ideal for coastal and architectural planting, as well as wall-side borders. It can be propagated by seed, division, or separating suckers, and is of interest during spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Musa
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1b
Plant details
Musa balbisiana 'Black Thai' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial, Bedding
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Architectural, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Musa balbisiana 'Black Thai'
- Propagation
- Seed, separate suckers, division
- Pest resistance
- Glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs, aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Musa balbisiana 'Black Thai'?
Musa balbisiana 'Black Thai' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Musa balbisiana 'Black Thai' need?
Musa balbisiana 'Black Thai' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Musa balbisiana 'Black Thai' hardy in the UK?
Musa balbisiana 'Black Thai' has an RHS hardiness rating of H1b, meaning it needs subtropical warmth of 10–15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Musa balbisiana 'Black Thai'?
Seed, separate suckers, division.
More in the Musa genus
- Musa acuminatacommercial banana
- Musa acuminata 'Grand Nain' (AAA Group) (F)
- Musa acuminata 'Pisang Lidi' (AA Group) (F)
- Musa acuminata 'Robusta' (AAA Group) (F)
- Musa acuminata 'Tuu Ghia' (AA Group) (F)
- Musa basjooJapanese banana
- Musa basjoo 'Variegata' (v)
- Musa beccarii
