Musa basjoo

Name

Musa Basjoo

Common name

Hardy Japanese banana

What you get

You will receive a 1ltr pot

About

Musa basjoo is by far the hardiest of bananas and nothing says exotic like basjoo! A fleshy stem grows from a huge underground rhizome and the stem can reach 3m or more. On top there are huge, bright green leaves that can reach over 2m long. When mature basjoo will form a clump of up to 10 stems, and after 4-5 years a stem will flower and produce a hand of small bananas. If you are lucky, when the stem dies more bananas will be produced from the base.

Origin

China and Japan

Planting and care

Musa Basjoo needs moist, rich soil and a sheltered position with plenty of food and water through the growing season. For winter protection cut the leaves off and cut the stem down to 4-5ft. Then, if you can get some, put a piece of corrurgated land drain over the stem then place a pot on top. If you have a clump place bamboo canes around the edge, tie some chicken wire to the canes then fill with straw and cover with plastic.

Planting Companion

Canna indica purpurea

Hedychium greeni