About
Musa violascens 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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitClump forming
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, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Coastal
Native toTurkey
ToxicityOrnamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 11253,muscari-azureum,Muscari azureum,azure grape hyacinth,Muscari armeniacum 'Trehanense' is a cultivar of the Armenian grape hyacinth producing the characteristic dense
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
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