About
Musa gracilis 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, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitSuckering
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toNE India
Care notes
CultivationGrow outdoors in a sheltered site in humus-rich soil in full sun or under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light with shade from hot sun. Water freely from spring to summer and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Keep just moist in winter. Repot ornamental species annually or every other year, in spring. See banana cultivation
PruningRemove older leaves in spring
PropagationPropagate by seed or divide established clumps
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free