Overview
Musa basjoo is a suckering conservatory greenhouse in the genus Musa, part of the Musaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 2.5-4 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Musa basjoo grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH.
About
Musa basjoo, known variously as Japanese banana, Japanese fiber banana or hardy banana, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the banana family Musaceae. It was previously thought to have originated in the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, from where it was first described in cultivation, but is now known to have originated in the subtropical southern Chinese province of Sichuan. Its specific name is derived from its Japanese common name, bashō (芭蕉). Mature plants reach roughly 2.5-4 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Musa basjoo
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Musa
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
Plant details
Musa basjoo size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Musa basjoo?
Musa basjoo prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Musa basjoo need?
Musa basjoo is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Musa basjoo grow?
Musa basjoo reaches a height of 2.5-4 metres and a spread of 1.5-2.5 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
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 balbisiana 'Black Thai'
- Musa basjoo 'Variegata' (v)
- Musa beccarii
