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Herbaceous PerennialConservatory Greenhouse

Musa lasiocarpa

Chinese yellow banana

A low-growing, dwarf, suckering banana (but doesn't produce fruit). It has a conical trunk and large bright green leaves. Globular, waxy yellow flowers can last many months. It will grow outdoors if kept in frost-free locations.

Synonyms
Musella lasiocarpa
Ensete lasiocarpum
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Yellow Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Musaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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

Plant range
China

How to grow

Cultivation

If planting outdoors, plant in a frost-free area in rich, most, but well-drained soil, in sun or part-shade. Although it will survive outdoors in mildest parts with protection.

Propagation

Propagate by division or seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
Pruning

No pruning required. Remove dead foliage and cut-back if preferred in autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids , glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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