Musa acuminata 'Sumatrana'
stripe-leaved banana
A tender, upright perennial to 2.5m tall, with huge, paddle-shaped, burgundy-splashed leaves. In summer cream or yellow flowers may be produced from purple bracts; these are followed, in ideal conditions, by small banana fruits
Synonyms
Musa acuminata 'Sumatrana'Musa 'Rojo'
see moreMusa acuminata 'Bloodleaf'
Musa acuminata 'Rojo'
Musa acuminata subsp. zebrina
Musa zebrina
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream Purple | Green Red | Green Yellow | |
| Autumn | Green Red | |||
| Winter | Green Red |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Musaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light, with shade from hot sun. Water freely while in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every month; keep just moist in winter. Repot every 1 or 2 years in spring. See banana cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by sowing pre-soaked seed in spring. Separate suckers in early spring, removing older leaves
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Bedding
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs and aphids
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.