About
Musa sanguinea is a banana producing the characteristic bold, paddle-shaped leaves and colourful 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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope to Caucasus
ToxicityOrnamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationPlant 10cm deep in autumn in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Lift and divide (when dormant in summer) congested clumps to maintain vigour. May be invasive
PruningNo pruning required, but remove spent foliage as required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in autumn, in containers in a cold frame or separate offsets in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal infections including anther smuts and bluebell rust (see rust diseases), and bacterial soft rot and some virus diseases