Banana plants have long been a favorite of gardeners in temperate climates but many banana cultivars are much more cold hardy than you might think. We offer banana trees that are cold hardy north of USDA hardiness zone 7. But even if you are in a more chilly part of the world, you can still enjoy an ornamental banana leaf plant in a container. Just be aware that banana plants can grow large very quickly so start big and re-pot every 3 years.
Banana plants are popular and intriguing additions to any tropical garden While many gardeners are familiar with the common yellow banana, discovering the wide range of banana varieties available can expand your appreciation for these versatile plants
There are over 1000 types of banana plants in the world. Within the two species most commonly grown – Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana – there are diverse banana cultivars to suit different tastes and purposes. From sweet dessert bananas to starchy cooking bananas, ornamental varieties to cold hardy types, you’re sure to find a banana plant perfect for your garden.
In this article we’ll explore some of the most popular banana varieties to consider
Ornamental Banana Plants
Grown primarily for their stunning tropical foliage, ornamental banana plants provide exotic flair in any garden. They are unlikely to produce harvestable fruits in most regions, making them just for show. But their fast growth, towering sizes and shapely leaves make them stars of the yard nonetheless.
Musa Ornata (Pink Banana)
Sometimes called the Pink Serpent banana due to its pink-tinged leaves, Musa ornata is a slender, upright banana cultivar. It can reach heights over 10 feet tall, making a bold statement in any garden. The long tapered leaves have a smooth pink hue that looks almost metallic in certain lights.
While it does produce edible bananas, they are usually small and seeded. The ornamental value is the main drawcard. It adds vibrant color and striking texture when planted among green foliage.
Musa Basjoo (Japanese Fiber Banana)
Hailing from Japan, Musa basjoo is one of the hardiest banana varieties you can grow. It survives down to zone 5 with protection, allowing gardeners in cooler climates to enjoy the tropical effects. Wide paddle-shaped leaves unfurl from maroon-colored sheaths, providing great texture and contrast.
Again, it can produce banana fruits in optimal conditions. But the small seeded fruits have a bitter taste, making this solely an ornamental variety. Along with cold hardiness, excellent wind resistance makes it ideal for blustery areas.
Musa Sapientum (Hardy Banana)
Another super hardy choice is the Musa Sapientum banana plant. Native to high altitudes in China, it withstands cold down into zone 4 and even tolerates light frosts. The green leaves are long and arching with rippled edges.
Like the Japanese fiber banana, its fruits are unpleasantly bitter. But it generates large hands of bananas as an ornamental feature. Planted en masse, they create a striking tropical border or backdrop.
Edible Banana Varieties
For a tasty homegrown harvest, turn to these banana varieties cultivated specifically for their flavor and fruit production:
Musa Acuminata Colla (Cavendish Banana)
The Cavendish banana is the most common commercial variety. Their sweet flavor and creamy texture make them perfect banana smoothie and baking fodder. These are the classic long curved yellow bananas you find in supermarkets.
Growing your own allows you to enjoy richer flavor at the peak of ripeness. Look for compact varieties like Dwarf Cavendish that thrive in containers for patio growing. They produce sweet bite-sized fruits perfect for one or two people.
Musa Acuminata X Balbisiana Colla (Lady Finger Banana)
Lady Finger banana plants produce delicate, small fruits with a tangy and sweet flavor. Each finger is around 3-4 inches long. Their thin skins allow them to ripen faster than some larger varieties.
Lady Fingers are great for young families since kids love their petite size. They also work nicely for containers on balconies and patios. Plus their heat and disease resistance makes this an easy edible banana to grow.
Musa Acuminata (Red Banana)
As the name suggests, Red bananas have deep reddish-purple skin and flesh. They are smaller than regular bananas but pack a sweet and berry-like flavor. The thin skins allow you to enjoy them at various stages of ripeness.
Red bananas contain high levels of antioxidants. They make nutritious morning smoothies and snacks for kids. For best results, situate in a warm microclimate and provide frost protection in cooler zones.
Musa Acuminata X Balbisiana Colla (Blue Java Banana)
Lastly, the Blue Java banana charms with long tapered blue-green fruits. It is a cold hardy variety, tolerating brief temperatures down to 26°F when mature. The flavor is sweet with a hint of vanilla and a creamy soft texture when ripe.
Give Blue Java bananas plenty of room to grow, as mature plants can reach 15 feet tall and wide. The striking color and hardiness make it ideal for cooler regions wanting to grow superstar bananas.
How to Choose the Best Banana Variety
With so many options, deciding which banana variety to plant first can be tricky. Here are some tips:
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Consider your climate. Choose cold tolerant varieties like Blue Java, Japanese Fiber or Hardy Banana if you live in zones 6-8. Ornamental types like Pink Banana thrive in tropical zones 9-11.
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Decide if you want harvestable fruits or just ornamental appeal. Edible varieties obviously give you something tasty to enjoy. But ornamentals provide year-round interest.
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Dwarf banana plants in containers are great for patios and balconies in any region. Opt for compact edible varieties under 8 feet tall.
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Research specific needs like wind tolerance if you live in an exposed landscape. Some varieties withstand gusty conditions better than others.
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Mix ornamental and edible varieties together for the best of both worlds! Grow showy pink bananas as a backdrop to harvest heavier bearing types.
The array of banana varieties means there’s an ideal type for every garden situation. Whether you prefer growing for ornamental tropical effects or for the tasty homegrown fruits, bananas provide fast benefits. With so many options, why not try more than one?
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Banana plants have long been a favorite of gardeners in temperate climates but many banana cultivars are much more cold hardy than you might think. We offer banana trees that are cold hardy north of USDA hardiness zone 7. But even if you are in a more chilly part of the world, you can still enjoy an ornamental banana leaf plant in a container. Just be aware that banana plants can grow large very quickly so start big and re-pot every 3 years.
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Cold hardy ornamental banana plants for sale and potted banana leaf plants for indoor gardening.
Many Americans assume that there is just a single banana plant but in fact there are several species of banana trees and hundreds of cultivars. The term Banana is used to describe any member of the family Musaceae which includes both edible plants and sun-loving ornamental summer perennials for the garden or outdoor / indoor containers. The banana plant family contains 3 genera; Musa (the common banana tree), Musella (the dwarf banana plant), and Ensete (a mid-sized ornamental banana plant). Edible fruit comes from hybrids of the genus Musa.
All three genera of banana plants are ornamental and produce large, tropical looking plants. Most banana plants are not hardy enough for temperate gardens but luckily, a few like Musa basjoo migrated to cold mountain tops in their native countries and evolved some degree of cold tolerance. We search out the cold hardy members, propagate them and place these banana plants for sale through our on-line plant catalog. In fact, Plant Delights Nursery strives to have the largest number of cold hardy banana trees for sale on the internet.
A banana tree excels as a tropical looking garden perennial with its large, tropical, sometimes colorful leaves along with large, exotic flowers and occasional fruit. The banana leaf plant also makes a wonderful potted plant for patio gardens and indoor gardening.
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