Overview
Musa rubra from Yunnan is a suckering conservatory greenhouse in the genus Musa, part of the Musaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Musa rubra from Yunnan 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 rubra from Yunnan 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 or partial shade and prefers sheltered, south- or west-facing aspects. It grows well in fertile, well-drained soils including clay, loam, and sand with a range of pH levels. Suitable for conservatories, greenhouses, bedding, and container planting, Musa rubra is ideal for sub-tropical and architectural gardens, offering 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, 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 rubra from Yunnan 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 rubra from Yunnan
- 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 rubra from Yunnan?
Musa rubra from Yunnan prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Musa rubra from Yunnan need?
Musa rubra from Yunnan 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 rubra from Yunnan hardy in the UK?
Musa rubra from Yunnan 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 rubra from Yunnan?
Propagate by sowing pre-soaked seed in spring. Separate suckers in early spring, removing older leaves.