Overview
Musa flavida is a suckering conservatory greenhouse in the genus Musa, part of the Musaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Musa flavida grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include sub-tropical, architectural, city and courtyard gardens and patio and container plants.
About
Musa borneensis is a species of wild banana (genus Musa), native to the island of Borneo, in the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. It is placed in section Callimusa (now including the former section Australimusa), having a diploid chromosome number of 2n = 20. Musa borneensis has a slender psudostem which reaches up to 3.5 m high at maturity, with up to 9 suckers. It grows in lowland rain forests from 27 to 300 metres elevation. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is half-hardy and may need winter protection in colder areas (RHS H3). It works well for sub-tropical, architectural, city and courtyard gardens and patio and container plants. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Musa borneensis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Musa
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Musa flavida size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial, Bedding
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Sub-tropical, Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Musa flavida
- Propagation
- Propagate by sowing pre-soaked seed in spring. Separate suckers in early spring, removing older leaves
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs and aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Musa flavida?
Musa flavida prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Musa flavida need?
Musa flavida is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Musa flavida hardy in the UK?
Musa flavida has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Musa flavida?
Propagate by sowing pre-soaked seed in spring. Separate suckers in early spring, removing older leaves.
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 basjooJapanese banana
- Musa basjoo 'Variegata' (v)