Musa sikkimensis
A suckering perennial with large, oblong leaves to 2m long emerging from a red-tinged pseudostem. Young leaves are flushed reddish purple beneath and have red midribs. Mature plants may bear yellow flowers enclosed in purple bracts in summer; these can be followed by angular, yellowish fruits
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green Red | Yellow | |
| Autumn | Green Red | |||
| Winter | Green Red |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Musaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- 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
- Plant range
- N.E. India, Bhutan
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in loam-based potting compost in full light, with shade from hot sun. Water freely while in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every month; keep just moist in winter. Repot every 1 or 2 years in spring. Outdoors grow in sheltered site in humus-rich soil and provide winter protection. See banana cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by sowing pre-soaked seed in spring. Separate suckers in early spring, removing older leaves
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Bedding
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs and aphids
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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