Overview
Musa itinerans var. xishuangbannaensis 'MeKong Giant' is a suckering conservatory greenhouse in the genus Musa, part of the Musaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Musa itinerans var. xishuangbannaensis 'MeKong Giant' 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 itinerans var. xishuangbannaensis 'MeKong Giant' is a cultivar of the Musa genus, which comprises suckering evergreen perennials known for their large, paddle-like leaves and false stems formed by the bases of their stalks. This cultivar thrives in full sun with a south-facing, sheltered aspect and prefers fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Suitable for conservatories, greenhouses, and bedding, it is hardy to UK zone H1b and is ideal for coastal, architectural, or wall-side borders. Propagation can be achieved through seed, division, or separating suckers, with interest in spring and summer.
About the genus
Musa is one of three genera in the family Musaceae. The genus includes 83 fruit species of flowering plants producing edible bananas and plantains, and fiber (abacá), used to make paper and cloth. Though they grow as high as trees, banana and plantain plants are not woody and their apparent "stem" is made up of the bases of the huge leaf stalks.
Wikipedia contributors, "Musa (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Musa (plant)
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 itinerans var. xishuangbannaensis 'MeKong Giant' 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 itinerans var. xishuangbannaensis 'MeKong Giant'
- 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 itinerans var. xishuangbannaensis 'MeKong Giant'?
Musa itinerans var. xishuangbannaensis 'MeKong Giant' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Musa itinerans var. xishuangbannaensis 'MeKong Giant' need?
Musa itinerans var. xishuangbannaensis 'MeKong Giant' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Musa itinerans var. xishuangbannaensis 'MeKong Giant' hardy in the UK?
Musa itinerans var. xishuangbannaensis 'MeKong Giant' 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 itinerans var. xishuangbannaensis 'MeKong Giant'?
Seed, separate suckers, division.