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Conservatory GreenhouseHerbaceous Perennial

Musa velutina

pink banana

An evergreen perennial to 2.5m tall, with slender stems bearing paddle-shaped leaves and arching spikes of pink flowers with showy pink bracts in summer, followed by inedible, pink banana-like fruits

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Green Pink
Autumn Green Pink
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Musaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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
NE India

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow outdoors in a sheltered site in humus-rich soil in full sun or under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light with shade from hot sun. Water freely from spring to summer and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Keep just moist in winter. Repot ornamental species annually or every other year, in spring. See banana cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed or divide established clumps

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

Remove older leaves in spring

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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