With species-appropriate care and a sunny location, some banana trees thrive in home gardens. Musa basjoo is one of the most resilient varieties. We report on their origins, needs and their protective winter quarters.
How does the Japanese banana plant grow in home gardens?
The Japanese banana plant (Musa basjoo) is a hardy perennial that can thrive in home gardens. It reaches heights of 2 to 3.5 meters and, if cared for appropriately and in a sunny location, can also produce flowers and fruits in Central Europe.
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
The leaves of the Musa bajoo reach impressive dimensions of 3 meters long and up to 30 centimeters wide in their homeland. Hanging inflorescences are completed by a magnificent flower. Its fruits are between 5 and 7 centimeters large 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.
Wintering
You can overwinter larger specimens in the garden in mild regions. Basically, banana trees shed their leaves during the cold winter dormancy, 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:
Wintering outdoors should be well prepared. To do this, expose the root ball of the perennial. In the following 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 hold the heating material in place. The protection remains on the plant before the first frost until after the last night frosts in spring.
potted plants
Smaller perennials should be cut down to the trunk. The banana feels comfortable in cool temperatures in the stairwell or dark basement. From the beginning of March, the plant enjoys its usual spot on the sunny windowsill.
Popular breeding forms
- Nana (dwarf form, hardy with frost protection)
- Sapporo
Tips & Tricks
In addition to this resilient banana tree, other varieties are suitable for growing in home gardens.
