Growing a banana plant
October 2024 What's looking good now

Banana plant

I am delighted that my young Musa basjoo banana plant has flourished in the damp UK summer weather. Despite the unpredictable conditions and temperature fluctuations, the plant is growing stronger by the day, with lush, undamaged, green leaves and a healthy appearance.

Banana plants are the ultimate tropical addition to any garden during the summer months. Their exotic arching leaves, reaching up to an impressive 2m (6⅔ft) in length, make them true show-stoppers.

Banana plants rarely flower or fruit in the UK, and mature banana plants can reach heights of 3m (10ft) or more, creating a stunning spectacle.

Even though banana plants may look like trees, they are classified as herbaceous perennials, as they do not form a woody trunk. Given proper protection from the cold each winter, these plants will live for many years, adding a touch of the tropics to your garden.

Musa and Ensete are the two main types of bananas grown in the UK, with various cultivars of these plants for sale, each having unique differences in size and leaf colour. Most banana plants are tender and must be shielded from frost and cold to flourish in all their exotic glory!

I have taken special care to plant it in a container with good drainage using peat-free compost and positioned it to protect it from winds, yet allowing enough sunlight to flourish, and it is rewarding to see the results of my efforts.

I look forward to seeing this tropical plant continue to thrive in its unexpected environment, bringing a touch of exotic beauty to my garden.