Overview
Musa rubinea is a suckering conservatory greenhouse in the genus Musa, part of the Musaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Musa rubinea 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 rubinea is a cultivar of the Musa genus, which comprises suckering evergreen perennials with large, paddle-like leaves and false stems formed by the bases of their stalks. This herbaceous perennial thrives in full sun with a south-facing, sheltered aspect and prefers fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil of neutral pH. Suitable for conservatory or greenhouse cultivation as well as bedding, it is hardy to UK zone H1b. Musa rubinea is ideal for coastal, architectural, or wall-side borders and is propagated by seed, division, or separating suckers. Its season of interest spans spring and summer.
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 rubinea 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 rubinea
- 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 rubinea?
Musa rubinea prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Musa rubinea need?
Musa rubinea grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Musa rubinea hardy in the UK?
Musa rubinea 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 rubinea?
Seed, separate suckers, division.
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)