The Red Abyssinian Banana
Ensete Maurelli doing well somewhere warm
Not really Frost Hardy, but a real essential part of any exotic garden. Maybe slightly more tender than Ensete ventricosum, but the jury is out on that one at the moment, but good down to about 4C. Keep drier if cool weather threatens.
Can be kept in a pot or tub, but for optimum growth will need an 18 inch plus tub. Alternatively plant out in well manured ground with humus and water gel granules dug in.
Like all Bananas, they are gross feeders and like a constant supply of nutrients. I have found it is possible to over feed which causes the leaves to deform. I feed with half strength soluble fertilizer every watering. Always use tepid water up to about 30C to keep the plant in vigorous growth. Cold water will stop it altogether. They need full sun to be at their best, but can grow in light dappled shade. The wind tolerance is better than most bananas, but if grown in shade the leggy growth can be snapped by wind.
Ensete Maurelli 4 months
Small Bananas are now available from Garden Centres,
and DIY stores for around £9, or Mail Order
for £5.99 +p&p from www.easytropicals.co.uk
These are not generally grown from seed and most plants come from tissue culture or micro propagation, effectively clones. This has led to a problem known as the strangles which is where the plant fails to grow properly after over wintering, and just fades away and the stem dies. The plant then produces pups by the dozen, however, as the problem is genetic, all the pups may display the same symptoms. They are ok to use as annuals but do not reach the size of more mature plants.
Over wintering when in pots is easy if you have a frost free place to store them. Don't water in the colder months, even it the leaves die back. For ground planted bananas lift before the first frosts, cut the leaves off and take most of the soil off the root ball. Tip the plant upside down to allow any water trapped in the pseudo stem to drain away. This is important to avoid rotting. Then the banana can be wrapped in a breathable wrapping and stored in a cool place. I have heard the garage or shed to be suitable places. Check occasionally for signs of growth in spring (March/April). Once in growth pot up and grow on cool ready for the next planting out after the last frost.
I have heard several reports of E. Maurelli surviving outside, unprotected in Winter 2006/7 but this was an exceptionally mild winter and not really representative . However some seem to have survived -4C,