Musaceae - Botanical Family

Botanical names: Ensete lasiocarpum, Musella lasiocarpa, Musa lasiocarpa

Common names: Chinese Yellow Banana, Golden Lotus Banana

Family: Musaceae

Origin: China

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Because of its suckering habit, it is important to give plants plenty of spacing.

Ensete lasiocarpum is a unique and attractive addition to the home garden. It is a large, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 5 - 10 feet tall and 2-5 feet wide. Native to mountainous areas in the Yunnan Province of China, its paddle-like gray-green leaves and yellow, orange flowers make it a stunning ornament in any garden. It typically blooms throughout the summer, producing an upright inflorescence of yellow tubular flowers subtended by broad, stiff, waxy, yellow bracts. Flowering usually begins in the second year and continues annually thereafter.

Ensete lasiocarpum can be grown in full sun or semi-shade, in well-drained soil, and with regular watering. It is generally winter-hardy in USDA Zone 7-10, but may survive cold winters in Zone 6 if well-protected with a thick winter mulch over the root area. For areas outside of the recommended zones 7-10, it is best to grow this plant in containers, using a well-drained potting soil mix. In order to prevent freezing in winter, containers with Ensete lasiocarpum should be brought indoors before the first frost and placed in a warm, sunny area, with reduced soil moisture. Alternatively, they can be brought into a cool, frost-free basement corner and given occasional touches of moisture in winter to prevent the soils from totally drying out. Plants should also be given ample spacing, as they have a tendency to sucker.

In terms of care, Ensete lasiocarpum should be fertilized regularly during the growing season. Mulching the soil is a recommended practice, as this helps retain moisture and minimizes weeds. In cold regions, growth in a pot is best recommended, as this will provide a much better protection from frost, and ensure the plant survival. Pots should be placed in a sheltered area, such as a patio or porch, and mulching with straw or evergreen boughs is an effective way to insulate the soil. In addition, a covering of burlap or old blankets can be used to protect the leaves from cold winds.

Botanical name: Ensete ventricosum

Common names: Red banana, Abyssinian banana, Ethiopian banana

Cultivar: 'Maurelii'

Family: Musaceae

Origin: Tropical Africa

This banana-like perennial has large paddle-shaped leaves, which range in color from deep claret brown to red-purple to pale green, produced from the center of the plant, with thick midribs bright red beneath. White flowers are borne in inflorescences 3 to 4 feet long. Fruits are banana-like but dry and unpalatable. Large reddish leaves. Reaches 20 feet or more.

See Article about Ensete ventricosum.

Botanical name: Musa acuminata

Common names: Banana, Cavendish Banana

Family: Musaceae

Origin: Southern Asia

Hardiness: 30°F

Musa acuminata is one of the earliest plants to be domesticated by humans for agriculture. Many of the modern edible dessert bananas are derived from this species.

Musa acuminata is a tropical banana species known for its lush, broad green leaves and fast growth. It forms a tall, upright pseudostem that can reach 10 to 20 feet in height, creating a dramatic presence in the garden. The plant produces large, pendulous flower spikes with overlapping purple-red bracts that reveal rows of creamy-yellow flowers inside. These are followed by elongated, curved fruits bananas that are typically seedless, edible, and vary in size and sweetness depending on the cultivar. Musa acuminata thrives in full sun with rich, well-draining soil and regular watering. It prefers warm, humid conditions and should be protected from strong winds and cold. Ideal for USDA zones 9 11, it can also be grown in containers in cooler climates and overwintered indoors.

Botanical name: Musa coccinea

Common names: Scarlet Banana, Red-flowering Banana

Family: Musaceae

Origin: Tropical China and Vietnam.

Musa coccinea - Scarlet Banana, Red-flowering Banana - is a small, tropical banana with stunning red flowers that bring a vibrant, exotic touch to rare plant collection. Native to China and Vietnam, it features glossy, dark green leaves that resemble classic banana leaves. Its beauty lies in the striking red flower bracts, which surround delicate yellow tubular blooms, creating a vivid contrast. These flowers appear in summer and last about two months, making them a showstopper.

Though it doesn't produce edible bananas, the plant grows small orange fruits that add to its ornamental appeal. Each trunk (called a pseudostem) lasts until it flowers and fruits, then dies back. New shoots (banana pups) sprout from the roots, ensuring the plant continues to thrive.

Compact and easy to grow, Scarlet Banana is perfect for adding a tropical flair to small gardens or pots. Its long-lasting flowers also make excellent cut arrangements, adding a burst of color indoors.

Botanical name: Musa haekkinenii

Common name: Wild Red Banana

Family: Musaceae

Origin: Vietnam

Musa haekkinenii is a small plant (1 to 1.5 m high) that has an erect inflorescence and a slender pseudostem (3-4 cm in diameter). Its leaf habit is semi-erect and it produces 2 to 6 suckers close to the base of the mother plant. Musa haekkinenii flowers continuously and has long lasting bright red bracts. Prefers full sun and good drainage.