Musa velutina
pink banana
An evergreen perennial to 2.5m tall, with slender stems bearing paddle-shaped leaves and arching spikes of pink flowers with showy pink bracts in summer, followed by inedible, pink banana-like fruits
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | Pink | |
| Autumn | Green | Pink | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Musaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- 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
- NE India
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow outdoors in a sheltered site in humus-rich soil in full sun or under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light with shade from hot sun. Water freely from spring to summer and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Keep just moist in winter. Repot ornamental species annually or every other year, in spring. See banana cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed or divide established clumps
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Remove older leaves in spring
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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