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Herbaceous PerennialConservatory Greenhouse

Musa ornata
  • RHS AGM

flowering banana

M. ornata is a robust evergreen perennial to 4m in height, with oblong leaves to 2m in length, and erect spikes of orange-yellow flowers with pink bracts, followed by greenish-yellow fruits

Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Orange Pink Yellow Green
Summer Orange Pink Yellow Green
Autumn Orange Pink Yellow Green Green Yellow
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical 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
Burma & India

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow outdoors in humus-rich soil in full sun. Will need protection over winter. Place in sheltered area as the wind tends to shred leaves. Grow under glass in loam-based compost in full light. See banana cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed, separate suckers or by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Architectural
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

No pruning required, but remove spent foliage and cutting back in autumn may be needed

Pests

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

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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