About
This tree-like herbaceous perennial, potentially reaching 7m, with huge, oblong, evergreen leaves, the bases of which are wrapped together to create a trunk-like pseudostem. in the right conditions, and at any time of year, mature plants may produce a large, hanging flower cluster, the pale yellow flowers surrounded by large, dark red or yellow-green bracts, and followed by green then yellow, edible fruit. Many cultivars of banana and plantain have been developed from this hybrid.
About the genus
Musa are suckering evergreen perennials with very large, paddle-shaped leaves whose stalk-bases form a false stem, and clusters of tubular flowers with colourful bracts, followed by cylindrical fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Trees
HabitColumnar upright, Suckering
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationAs a summer bedding plant, grow in humus-rich soil in a sheltered position in full sun. In a container, use peat-free, loam-based compost and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. At the end of the season, pot up to overwinter under cover or protect in situ with straw and chicken wire. Keep just moist in winter. See banana cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required under glass. Outside, remove old leaves at end of season
PropagationSeparate suckers in early spring, removing older leaves. Divide established clumps every five years
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs and aphids, especially under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free