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Herbaceous PerennialConservatory Greenhouse

Ensete ventricosum 'Hiniba'

An upright, fast-growing, banana-like perennial, about 4m tall, with huge, paddle shaped, slightly glaucous-tinged, bright olive-green leaves, and thick midribs, bright red beneath. Ideal for a tropical garden but requires the protection of a warm greenhouse or conservatory in winter

Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Green
Summer Grey Silver Green
Autumn Grey Silver Green
Winter Grey Silver Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Musaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus

Ensete are robust evergreen perennials forming a short stem, with large paddle-shaped leaves and pendent terminal clusters of cup-shaped flowers, followed by dry banana-like fruits

Name status

Unresolved

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How to grow

Cultivation

Grow outdoors in a frost-free area in humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade. Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based compost with shade from hot sun. Water freely and apply a balanced liquid feed every two weeks in the growing season. See banana cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed at 21°C in spring; germination may be erratic

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Bedding
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

No pruning required, but cut dead leaves no lower than the base of each leaf

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, aphids and mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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