Hardy Banana – Musa basjoo

Musa basjoo is grown for its vast, arching leaves and sturdy, upright pseudostems. A well-established clump gives a garden an enveloping, tropical feel, especially when underplanted with ferns and other broad-leaved companions. Its roots can survive conditions that damage the foliage, but winter protection makes a big difference to the following season’s height. Flowers and small fruits are occasional bonuses on mature plants, and the fruits are not eating bananas.

Growing conditions:
Plant in a warm, sheltered spot with fertile, well-drained soil, watering and feeding generously through summer. Mulch the root area and wrap the pseudostems for winter if you want to preserve their height.

Maximum size:
Approximately 300–500 cm tall and 150–250 cm wide with successful overwintering; an established suckering clump can spread further.