With species-appropriate care and a sunny location, some banana trees thrive in domestic gardens. The Musa basjoo is one of the hardiest varieties. We report on their origin, needs and their protective winter quarters.
Short profile:
- Origin: East Asia (China)
- Genus: Musa (Bananas)
- Family: Musaceae (banana family)
- Order: Zingiberales (ginger-like)
- Growth height: 2.00 to 3.50 meters
leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds
In its homeland, the leaves of the Musa bajoo reach impressive dimensions of 3 meters in length and a width of up to 30 centimeters. Hanging inflorescences are terminated by a magnificent bloom. Their fruits are between 5 and 7 centimeters in size and have round, black seeds (diameter: 6 - 8 millimeters).
In Central Europe, this banana plant also produces flowers and small bananas. However, the fruits are not edible because they cannot ripen due to the short growing season.
hibernate
You can overwinter larger specimens in mild regions in the garden. Basically, banana trees pull in their leaves during the cold hibernation, but their rhizome (root ball) can withstand temperatures of up to -12 degrees Celsius. Next spring, the banana will sprout again from the ground.
Outdoor winter quarters:
Hibernation outdoors should be well prepared. To do this, expose the root ball of the perennial. In the next step, apply a thick protective layer of leaves or bark mulch.
Make sure that the entire rhizome is completely wrapped. In addition, a wire frame can be used to fix the thermal material. Protection remains on the plant before the first frost until after the last night frosts in spring.
potted plants
Cut smaller perennials down to the stem. In the stairwell or dark cellar, the banana feels at home in cool temperatures. From the beginning of March, the plant enjoys its usual spot on the sunny windowsill.
Popular cultivated forms
- Nana (dwarf form, hardy with frost protection)
- Sapporo
tips and tricks
In addition to this hardy banana tree, other varieties are suitable for cultivation in home gardens.
FT