Musa × paradisiaca
Adam's fig
A tree-like herbaceous perennial, potentially reaching 7m, with huge, oblong, evergreen leaves, the bases of which are wrapped together to create a trunk-like pseudostem. in the right conditions, and at any time of year, mature plants may produce a large, hanging flower cluster, the pale yellow flowers surrounded by large, dark red or yellow-green bracts, and followed by green then yellow, edible fruit. Many cultivars of banana and plantain have been developed from this hybrid
Other common names
common bananaedible banana
see moreFrench plantain
hybrid plantains
plantain tree
Adam's apple
plantain
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow Red | Green | ||
| Winter | Yellow Red | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Musaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Suckering
- Genus
Musa are suckering evergreen perennials with very large, paddle-shaped leaves whose stalk-bases form a false stem, and clusters of tubular flowers with colourful bracts, followed by cylindrical fruits
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
As a summer bedding plant, grow in humus-rich soil in a sheltered position in full sun. In a container, use loam-based compost and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. At the end of the season, pot up to overwinter under cover or protect in situ with straw and chicken wire. Keep just moist in winter. See banana cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Separate suckers in early spring, removing older leaves. Divide established clumps every five years
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Bedding
Pruning
No pruning required under glass. Outside, remove old leaves at end of season
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs and aphids, especially under glass
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.