Other Names:  Abyssinian Banana, False Banana, Red Leaved Banana

Group/Class:  Annual

Description:

A popular choice for creating tropical effects; grown primarily for its stunning green and burgundy-red variegated foliage and stems, this variety makes a beautiful statement in the garden or containers; may be wintered indoors in colder areas

Ornamental Features

Red Banana's attractive large glossy narrow leaves remain green in colour with showy burgundy variegation throughout the year on a plant with an upright spreading habit of growth. The scarlet stems can be quite attractive.

Landscape Attributes

Red Banana is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its wonderfully bold, coarse texture can be very effective in a balanced garden composition.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Red Banana is ideally suited for growing in a pond, water garden or patio water container, and is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use
• Water Gardens
• Container Planting
• Bog Gardens

Planting & Growing

Red Banana will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the water. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant performs well in both full sun and full shade. As an aquatic plant, it requires a suitable water garden environment and will benefit from special planting and ongoing care practices; consult one of our in-store experts for further details and instructions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.

Red Banana is a fine choice for the water garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when grown in outdoor pots and containers, aquatic plants like this one will require a special growing environment that meets their requirement for consistent moisture. Be aware that in our climate, most plants cannot be expected to survive the winter if left in containers outdoors, and this plant is no exception. Contact our experts for more information on how to protect it over the winter months.

This plant is not reliably hardy in our region, and certain restrictions may apply; contact the store for more information.