As a tropical fruit gardening enthusiast, I’m always looking to expand my collection of banana varieties. While the classic, full-sized banana plant might first come to mind, there are actually many different Musa species and cultivars to choose from. Ranging in size, color, hardiness, and uses, banana plants can be broken down into several major categories.

In this article, let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular types of edible and ornamental banana plants. Whether you’re looking for compact varieties suitable for containers or cold hardy types that can withstand a light frost, you’re sure to find a banana plant perfect for your landscape.

Full-Sized, Fruit-Bearing Plants

These big boys produce large bunches of delicious, full-sized bananas. With proper care and conditions, they can reach heights of 15-40 feet.

• Banana Plant (Musa acuminata) – The classic, edible banana plant familiar to most people. Fast-growing with wide, tropical-looking leaves and terminal clusters of fruits. Many commercial cultivars belong to this species.

• Plantain (Musa x paradisiaca) – Very similar to bananas botanically but with larger, starchier fruits often used in African and Latin cuisine. Some popular plantain cultivars are ‘Congo’ and ‘Giant Cavendish’.

• Ornamental Banana (Musa ornata) – Grown mainly for decorative purposes but some varieties may produce seedy but edible fruits The pink-blushed leaves and showy flower bracts add unique beauty

Dwarf Banana Plants

Perfect for container growing, these compact banana cultivars reach anywhere from 5-10 feet tall but produce smaller yields.

• Dwarf Cavendish – The most widely available dwarf, growing 6-8 feet tall. Produces sweet bananas but smaller bunches than full-size Cavendish.

• Dwarf Orinoco – An 8-10 foot dwarf variety that tolerates cold better than most Fruits are short but plump with a distinct tart taste

• Super Dwarf Cavendish – The smallest Cavendish type only growing 5-7 feet. Great for patios and pots. Bunches have 10-20 fruits.

• Pixie – A miniaturized banana reaching only 3-4 feet. The petite size produces cute, doll-sized fruits. Perfect novelty plant.

Unique Banana Cultivars

These eccentric banana plants grow great conversation pieces with their distinct flavors, colors, and uses.

• Blue Java – Also called the “ice cream banana”, it has a sweet fruity vanilla flavor when ripe. The pulp is creamy and the skin stays green/blue.

• Red Banana – Bright reddish-purple skin and pink flesh. Its strawberry-apple flavor is less starchy than yellow bananas. Beautiful ornamental appeal.

• Manzano – Known as “apple bananas”, these short, chubby fruits have an apple undertone when ripe. They make great dessert bananas.

• Lady Finger – Super slim fruits grow in tight, beautiful hands. Its tangy, lemon drop-like flavor lacks the banana muskiness.

• Fe’i Banana – Grown in the South Pacific, it has soft, orange pulp often baked or boiled. The strongly scented fruits only grow seedless in humid climates.

• Plantain – While technically the plantain is a distinct Musa species, many popular plantain cultivars like ‘Congo’ and ‘Giant Cavendish’ are essentially cooking bananas used similarly to starchy root vegetables.

Hardy & Cold Tolerant Bananas

Some banana varieties can withstand a light frost or cooler climates than typical bananas, especially once established.

• Raja Puri – Tolerates wet roots and cooler weather. Short with green/pink flushed leaves. Produces medium bunches of plump, tasty fruits.

• Gold Finger – Hardy, compact grower tolerant down to 0°F once mature. Its golden yellow fruits have a creamy, dessert-like consistency.

• Orinoco – Tall, large-leaved banana with chilly tolerance. The coarse fruits are most used for cooking when green.

• Basjoo – The most frost-resistant banana. This Japanese fiber banana has huge leaves and forms a solid trunk. Best grown as an ornamental.

• Siam Ruby – Beautiful banana with deep burgundy leaves that tolerates cooler weather. However, its fruits are mostly inedible. Grown for looks.

• Maoli-Popoulu – An extremely sturdy Hawaiian banana used to make poi. Tolerates cold and wind better than average.

Ornamental Banana Varieties

Some banana plants serve ornamental purposes for their unique foliage and lack of edible fruits. These make great accent plants in tropical garden beds and poolside planters.

• Abyssinian – Striking red-green foliage and deep red/purple pseudostem. Grows slowly but strongly as a focal point plant.

• Maoli-Popoulu – Beautiful Hawaiian banana with variegated white striping on leaves and stems. Often used in leis.

• Musa Velutina – Pink hairy banana. Its fuzzy pinkish-orange fruiting pods add exotic texture to any landscape.

• Musa Sikkimensis – Extremely cold hardy ornamental. Has dramatic wide pleated leaves with red midribs and markings

• Cuban Red – Glossy maroon leaves make this a standout plant. However, its bananas are mostly inedible.

Growing Conditions for Banana Plants

Now that you have an overview of some banana types, let’s go over the key conditions they need to thrive:

• Warmth – Require temperatures above 60°F. Don’t plant until danger of frost has passed. Cold tolerant types can handle down to 30°F once mature.

• Sun -Need full sun. At least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning sun is preferable.

• Space – Give adequate room to grow. Space full-size bananas 15-20 feet apart. Dwarfs need 5-10 ft spacing.

• Soil – Prefer organically rich, well-draining loam. Amend heavy or sandy soils. Maintain a pH of 5.5-7.0.

• Water – Bananas are very thirsty!Provide regular irrigation and soak the soil thoroughly. Let dry slightly between waterings.

• Fertilizer – Feed monthly during growth with compost and balanced organic fertilizer. Avoid excess nitrogen.

• Wind Protection – Shield bananas from strong winds which can shred their wide leaves or topple plants.

Follow these growing guidelines, and your banana plants should reward you with fast growth, maximum fruit production, and years of easy enjoyment in the landscape.

Best Uses for Banana Plant Varieties

With the diversity of banana options available today, it’s easy to find one suitable for your specific needs:

• Plant full-sized, fruiting bananas to harvest large bunches for eating fresh, cooking, and baking.

• Choose dwarf bananas in containers to add a tropical flair on patios and decks.

• Utilize hardy banana types for cooler weather regions or areas prone to occasional frosts.

• Add ornamental bananas as specimen plants for their vibrant foliage, textures, and colors.

• Mix and match different Musa varieties together to create a lush, jungle-like tropical garden.

Conclusion

From cold-hardy dwarf varieties primed for patio planters to massive fruiting cultivars capable of producing 100+ lb banana bunches, the Musa genus contains a banana plant for everyone. Now that you are familiar with some of the most common edible and ornamental banana types, deciding which one is right for you is simple. Just match your desired growing requirements and design needs to your perfect Musa match.