| Genus - Musa |
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| Species -
basjoo |
| Common Names: Japanese hardy banana,
Japanese Fiber banana, Chinese hardy banana |
| Type: Herbaceous
perennial |
| Growth
Rate: Fast |
| Height: 4-5m |
| Spread:
3-4m |
| Position:
Full sun to part shade |
| Hardiness:
Rhizome (root) hardy. Stem needs winter
protection (see below). |
| Soil:
Rich fertile or loam based in pots. |
| A
must have for the exotic
garden, Musa
basjoo is reputedly the
hardiest of all banana plants and is a favourite in temperate
exotic gardens. The stem and leaves are tender and the rhizome (root)
is frost hardy; although it is recommended that the roots are covered with a
layer of mulch or compost over winter. |
| This banana produces
huge striking foliage with a very fast growth rate when given a
generous amount of water and fertiliser. Musa basjoo is best
grown away from strong winds to prevent the leaves from being
torn. |
| Origin:
First believed to have originated from Japan, new studies
show that Musa basjoo is most probably from the Szechuan
region of China where there is a wild population. |
| Winter
Protection: Once the cold has blackened the leaves, cut
the trunk down to ground level. A thick layer of mulch will
protect the rhizome in cold winters. It is possible to protect
the stem over winter by constructing a frame or cage around
the plant and filling it with straw. This can then be wrapped
in horticultural fleece and a waterproof cover
like a pvc
greenhouse added to the
top which will keep the plant on the dry side. By doing this
the plant retains its stem giving you a much taller plant the
following year. |
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Hardy Banana - Musa basjoo |
| The
winter hardy Japanese fibre banana (Musa basjoo)
originates from South-East Asia around the Himalaya
mountain region and has therefore become genetically
hardy. Musa basjoo is a special foliage plant with a
tropical charisma. Plant the banana plant as soon as
possible, after delivery, in a large flower pot or patio
pot with holes in the base. Preferably, use tub plant
compost and add some granulated cow manure granules.
Fill the flower pot with some compost and put the Musa
basjoo root ball at the right depth. |
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Hardy Banana - Musa basjoo |
| An
extraordinary, architectural plant with huge, green,
paddle-like leaves that can each grow up to 3m long. It
produces creamy yellow flowers in summer, that are often
followed by yellowish-green fruit. These are not tasty
enough to eat, however the plants look brilliant when
incorporated into a jungle-style planting schemes, and
can be potted up into large pots and treated as a
dynamic feature. |
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Hardy Banana - Musa basjoo |
| For
stunning exotic effect in any garden, the hardy banana
is an essential architectural plant. A wonderful feature
plant, it will grow in sun or partial shade. This
palm-like perennial has lovely green foliage; the leaves
are huge and the plant can reach 5m in height so it
needs plenty of room. Drooping pale yellow flowers in
brownish bracts are produced in summer followed by green
fruits. |
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Hardy Banana - Musa basjoo |
| The
Japanese Banana plant makes an outstanding specimen for
a really exotic focal point. Grown for its lush paddle
shaped foliage, this large herbaceous perennial
sometimes produces creamy yellow flowers which are
followed by clusters of tiny bananas. Unfortunately the
fruit contain dozens of small black seeds, making them
inedible. Musa Basjoo is the hardiest banana for growing
in the UK. |
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