PerennialsMusa basjoo
Japanese Banana
The Japanese banana is the hardiest banana species in the world and brings a truly tropical feel to the garden with its enormous, fan-shaped leaves. The plant can reach up to four metres tall and grows at astonishing speed. The above-ground parts die back in winter, but the roots survive temperatures down to -15°C and reshoot vigorously in spring.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Water
- High
- Height
- 200–400 cm
- Spread
- 150–300 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 5–11
- Family
- Musaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- yellow
- Wildlife value
- bees
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in a sheltered spot in full sun or light shade in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Water abundantly in summer. Feed weekly during the growing season. Cover the root zone in autumn with a thick layer of mulch or straw for winter protection.
Pruning tips
In autumn, cut back the dead leaves and pseudostem to about 30 centimetres above the ground. Cover the remaining stump with insulating material. New shoots appear quickly from the rootstock in spring.
Good companions
Bulbs & tubersCanna indica
Indian Shot
Indian shot is a spectacular tuberous plant with large, banana-like leaves and striking flowers in fiery red, orange or yellow from July until the first frost. The plant brings an exotic, tropical look to borders and patios and combines beautifully with ornamental grasses and other late bloomers.
PerennialsHedychium gardnerianum
Ginger Lily
The ginger lily is an imposing tropical perennial with broad, lance-shaped leaves along tall stems, crowned by large spikes of bright yellow, wonderfully fragrant flowers from August to October. The sweet, exotic scent carries far through the garden atmosphere. With protection the rhizome overwinters in temperate climates.
PerennialsPhormium tenax
New Zealand Flax
New Zealand flax is a vigorous evergreen plant with long, sword-shaped, stiffly upright leaves that create a spectacular architectural statement. Cultivars come in green, bronze, red and striped forms. At maturity a tall flower stalk appears with dark red tubular flowers that attract birds. A showpiece in modern and coastal gardens.