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Musa 'Siam Ruby'

Image of Musa 'Siam Ruby'

Nancy Engel

Family

Musaceae

Botanical Name

Musa 'Siam Ruby'

Plant Common Name

Banana, Hybrid Banana, Siam Ruby Banana

General Description

Truly an extravagant foliage plant, 'Siam Ruby' boasts large leaves of dark red marked with irregular flecks of light green. Reputed to be a mutant sport of the cultivar 'Tapo' and first seen growing in Papua New Guinea, this highly ornamental red-leaved banana entered the international market in 2005.

The newly emerging leaves look pale green initially but quickly turn deep ruby red with flecks or horizontal streaks of light green. The more heat, humidity and direct sun, the more intense the red leaf pigmentation. Little data exists on the flowering or fruiting qualities of this selection, as its grown exclusively for its bold foliage.

Grow ’Siam Ruby’ in full to partial sun and moist, well-drained soil that is enriched with lots of organic matter. Less tolerant of cold, it will die back to its roots if nipped by light winter frosts. Overall, the hotter the temps and higher the humidity, the more lush this clump-forming banana cultivar grows.

Few ornamental bananas make as bold a statement in the garden. Plant this beauty in containers or a tropical mixed border. This fast-grower may also be grown as a tender perennial in temperate gardens where summers are hot and humid.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 8

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    9 - 15

  • Plant Type

    Tender Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    6'-10' / 1.8m - 3.0m

  • Width

    3'-6' / 0.9m - 1.8m

  • Bloom Time

    Indeterminate

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Fruit Color

    Yellow, Green

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Red, Light Green, Dark Red

  • Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier

    Variegated, Striped/Striated, Spotted/Mottled

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Red, Light Green, Dark Red

  • Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier

    Variegated, Striped/Striated, Spotted/Mottled

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Red, Light Green, Dark Red

  • Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier

    Variegated, Striped/Striated, Spotted/Mottled

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Light Green, Burgundy, Dark Red

  • Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier

    Variegated, Striped/Striated, SpottedMottled

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    Yes

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    Yes

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Bold

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No