Musa coccinea
scarlet banana
An evergreen, palm-like, suckering perennial. It bears paddle-shaped long, glossy green leaves. In summer, erect spirals of tubular, yellow flowers are enclosed in red bracts. These are followed by inedible, small orange fruit
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Yellow | Green | Orange | |
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Musaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- 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
- Indochina
How to grow
Cultivation
Should be grown indoors in frost-free conditions, but pots may be put outside in summer in a sheltered spot. See banana cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by potting up suckers after flowering
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Remove damaged or dead leaves
Pests
Will be susceptible to the usual glasshouse pests, including glasshouse whitefly and mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.