Helping You Become a More Successful Gardener
Plant Search
James Burghardt
Musaceae
Musa basjoo
Hardy Banana
Of all the bananas, this is the most hardy and amenable to colder climates. Hardy banana or Japanese fiber banana is an evergreen, tree-like perennial native to Japan. Its immense, arching, paddle-shaped leaves have horizontal ribbed veins and lend a tropical look to the landscape. They remain evergreen year round in subtropical to tropical areas but are deciduous in more temperate regions. In summer, it bears pendent spikes of flowers in the axils of large, brown floral bracts. The flowers sometimes give rise to bunches of small unpalatable bananas.
This bold ornamental grows best in sites with full sun, ample summer moisture, and well-drained, fertile soil. Its leaves are easily tattered by wind, so it's best to plant it in sheltered areas where high winds don't blow. As its name suggests, hardy banana is said to be the hardiest of all Musa species. It will often regrow from the base if frozen to the ground, provided it is well mulched. It also does well in large containers that can be moved indoors to overwinter, especially in very cold regions. Plant this bold, beautiful plants as a a specimen for tropical effect. It grows very quickly to provide green cover fast.
12 - 6
6 - 11
H1, H2, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Perennial
Full Sun
10'-15' / 3.0m - 4.6m
8'-12' / 2.4m - 3.7m
Summer
Japan
Acidic, Neutral
Well Drained
Loam
Fast
Average Water
Upright/Erect
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Showy
Yellow, Brown
Yellow Green
Green
Green, Tan
No
Single
Yes
Bold
Glossy
Bedding Plant, Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
© 2006-2012 Preferred Commerce. All Rights Reserved.
