About
Musa campestris is a banana producing the characteristic bold, paddle-shaped leaves and flower spikes of the genus. A dramatic and architectural plant for a heated conservatory or frost-free garden.
About the genus
Musa, the bananas, are suckering evergreen perennials with very large, paddle-shaped leaves whose sheathing stalk-bases form a false stem, and clusters of tubular flowers with colourful bracts, followed by cylindrical fruits. Grown as ornamental and fruiting plants in heated glasshouses and frost-free gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitSuckering
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Architectural
Native toBurma & India
Care notes
CultivationGrow outdoors in humus-rich soil in full sun. Will need protection over winter. Place in sheltered area as the wind tends to shred leaves. Grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light. See banana cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required, but remove spent foliage and cutting back in autumn may be needed
PropagationPropagate by seed, separate suckers or by division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs and aphids under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free