Overview
Musa textilis is a suckering conservatory greenhouse in the genus Musa, part of the Musaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Musa textilis 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
Abacá ( ah-bə-KAH; Filipino: abaka [ɐbɐˈka]), also known as Manila hemp, is a species of banana, Musa textilis, endemic to the Philippines. The plant grows to 13–22 feet (4.0–6.7 m) and has great economic importance, being harvested for its fiber extracted from the leaf-stems. The lustrous fiber is traditionally hand-loomed into various indigenous textiles (abaca cloth or medriñaque) in the Philippines. They are still featured prominently as the traditional material of the barong tagalog, the national male attire of the Philippines, as well as in sheer lace-like fabrics called nipis used in various clothing components. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is half-hardy and may need winter protection in colder areas (RHS H3). Suggested uses include sub-tropical, architectural, city and courtyard gardens and patio and container plants. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Abacá
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 textilis 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 textilis
- 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 textilis?
Musa textilis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Musa textilis need?
Musa textilis 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 textilis hardy in the UK?
Musa textilis 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 textilis?
Propagate by sowing pre-soaked seed in spring. Separate suckers in early spring, removing older leaves.
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)