About
Musa coccinea, the scarlet banana, is an evergreen, palm-like, suckering perennial producing paddle-shaped, glossy-green leaves. In summer, erect spirals of tubular, yellow flowers are enclosed in vivid-red bracts, followed by small, inedible, orange fruits. One of the most ornamental and showy of the bananas for a heated conservatory or tropical 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.
Plant details
Suggested usesBorders, containers, mixed plantings.
Care notes
CultivationPlant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.
PruningRemove dead or damaged growth as needed.
PropagationPropagate by division, cuttings, or seed as appropriate.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free. Monitor for common garden pests.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant. Ensure good air circulation.