Hardy Banana Trees: How To Grow And Care For A Cold Hardy Banana Tree
Love the look of lush tropical foliage? There is a plant that can help transform your garden landscape into a bit of the Hawaiian tropics, even if your winters tend to be less than balmy. The genus Musa are cold-hardy banana plants that grow well and overwinter up to USDA plant hardiness zone 4. You may need some space for growing a cold hardy banana tree though, as most specimens attain heights of 12 to 18 feet (3.5 to 5.5 m.).
Hardy Banana Tree Growing
Hardy banana trees like to be grown in full to partial sun and well-drained, moist soil. The hardy banana tree is actually an herbaceous perennial (the world's largest) despite being referred to as a tree. What looks like a trunk is actually tightly bound banana tree leaves. This “trunk” is botanically referred to as pseudostem, which means false stem.
The interior of the banana tree pseudostem is where all the growth of the plant takes place, similar to a canna lily. The giant leaves of the cold-hardy banana tree -- some species may become eleven feet (3 m.) long -- serve a useful purpose. During tropical storms or hurricanes, the leaf will shred along each side.
Although a bit unsightly, the raggedy look keeps the leaves of the banana tree from being snapped off in the high winds. Propagation of the hardy banana tree is achieved through division, which will take a sharp spade and strong back.
Hardy Banana Types
The pseudostem of the hardy banana has a short lifespan, living only long enough to flower and fruit. This process can often take more than a year, so when planting in colder climates, you will be unlikely to see any fruit. If you do see fruit, consider yourself lucky, but the fruit will probably be inedible. Some varieties of cold-hardy banana trees include:
- Musa basjoo, which is the largest variety and the most cold-hardy
- Musella lasiocarpa or dwarf banana, a relative of the banana tree with gigantic, yellow, artichoke-shaped fruit
- Musa velutina or pink banana, which is an early bloomer so more apt to bear fruit (albeit too seedy to eat)
These fruitless hardy banana tree species have been grown in the Ryukyu Island of Japan since the 13th century, and the fiber from the shoots is used in the weaving of textiles or even to make paper. For our more purely ornamental purposes, however, the hardy banana is lovely combined with bright, colored annuals or other tropical plants like canna and elephants ear.
Hardy Banana Trees Winter Care
Banana trees winter care is simple. Hardy banana trees grow rapidly, as much as 12 feet (3.5 m.) with 6-inch (15 cm.) leaves in one season. Once the first frost hits, the hardy banana will die back to the ground. To overwinter your hardy banana, prior to the first frost, cut back stems and leaves, leaving 8-10 inches (20.5-25.5 cm.) above ground.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
The hardy banana will then need good heavy mulch piled over the top of the remaining crown. Sometimes, depending on the size of your banana tree, this pile of mulch may be several feet (1 m.) high. For ease of removal the following spring, make a chicken wire cage to lay over the crown prior to mulching. Hardy banana trees can also be container planted, which can then be moved to a frost-free area.
Amy Grant has been gardening for 30 years and writing for 15. A professional chef and caterer, Amy's area of expertise is culinary gardening.
-
9 Contemporary Small Garden Ideas – Maximize Style With A Modern Design
Some simple conceptual ideas can transform even the tiniest plot from humdrum to dream design. Try these 9 contemporary small garden ideas to modernize your plot
By Amy Grant
-
5 Best Plant Identification Apps – Most Accurate Tools To Help You ID Plants
An ID app is only as good as its database. Some are a bit costly, some have ads or free trial offers, some are citizen-driven. Maybe offer some valuable input of your own.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Japanese Banana Plant – Caring For A Musa Basjoo Hardy Banana Variety
The Japanese banana plant lends that tropical island flair to gardens as far north as zone 5. If that sounds too good to be true, read on!
By Laura Miller
-
Banana Tree Fruit Issues: Why Do Banana Trees Die After Fruiting
Banana trees not only are beautiful tropical specimens, but most of them bear edible banana tree fruit. If you have ever seen or grown banana plants then you may have noticed banana trees dying after bearing fruit. Click this article to learn more.
By Amy Grant
-
Growing Ornamental Bananas – How To Grow A Red Banana Plant
There are many types of banana which produce copious amounts of fruit. But did you know there are also various types of the ornamental red banana plant too, specifically grown for their attractive red foliage color? Learn more about them here.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
-
Thai Banana Fruit – How To Grow Thai Banana Trees
In Thailand, bananas are everywhere and synonymous with the tropical region they thrive in. If you're yearning to introduce a more tropical look to your landscape, try growing Thai bananas. What are Thai bananas? Click here to find out about Thai banana care.
By Amy Grant
-
Common Diseases Of Banana: What Causes Black Spots On Banana Fruit
Banana plants are prone to a number of diseases, many of which result in black spots on banana fruit. What causes black spot disease in bananas and are there any methods for treating black spots on banana fruit? Click this article to learn more.
By Amy Grant
-
Banana Tree Problems: What Causes Bananas With Cracked Skin
It takes some work to grow bananas and, even so, they are susceptible to their share of diseases and other banana tree problems. One such issue is bananas with cracked skin. Why do bananas split on the bunch? Find out about banana fruit cracking here.
By Amy Grant
-
Fusarium Wilt Of Banana: Managing Of Fusarium Wilt In Bananas
Also known as Panama disease, fusarium wilt of banana is difficult to control and severe infections are often deadly. Click on this article to learn more about banana fusarium wilt disease, including management and control.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
Banana Plant Diseases And Pests: Troubleshooting Problems Affecting Bananas
Banana plant problems can derail a successful plantation, and any of the problems affecting bananas may afflict the home gardener as well, so it's important to learn to identify banana pests and diseases to nip them in the bud. Click here to learn more.
By Amy Grant