Overview
Musa gracilis is a suckering conservatory greenhouse in the genus Musa, part of the Musaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Musa gracilis 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 gracilis is a species of wild banana (genus Musa), native to Peninsular Malaysia. It is placed in section Callimusa (now including the former section Australimusa), having a diploid chromosome number of 2n = 20. It grows to less than 2 m (7 ft) tall. It has an upright pink-purple bud and produces narrow fruits (bananas), which have magenta and green stripes. In the garden it prefers 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). Suggested uses include 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 gracilis
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 gracilis 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 gracilis
- 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 gracilis?
Musa gracilis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Musa gracilis need?
Musa gracilis 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 gracilis hardy in the UK?
Musa gracilis 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 gracilis?
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)