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Musa acuminata (Banana)

Banana, Commercial Banana, Cavendish Banana

Musa acuminata, Banana, Commercial Banana, Cavendish Banana, Tropical Tree, Tropical Shrub
Musa acuminata, Banana, Commercial Banana, Cavendish Banana, Tropical Tree, Tropical Shrub
Musa acuminata, Banana, Commercial Banana, Cavendish Banana, Tropical Tree, Tropical Shrub

Musa acuminata (Banana) is a large, fast-growing, suckering evergreen perennial boasting huge, paddle-shaped leaves, up to 6-10 ft. long (180-300 cm). Erect spikes of cream to yellow flowers adorned with showy bracts appear seasonally on mature plants (2-3 years old). They are followed by edible yellow bananas. The leaf sheathes overlap to form a trunk-like pseudostem. Each pseudostem has a limited lifespan. It only lives as long as it takes it to flower and produce fruit. After flowering and fruiting, the pseudostem dies, but the roots push out new shoots (banana pups) which form new pseudostems. Musa acuminata is one of the common producers of the fruit that we find in the grocery stores. Award-winning ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ grows up to 5-10 ft. (150-300 cm) and can be grown as a summer bedding plant or in a container.

  • Grows up to 12-20 ft. tall (360-600 cm) and 6-10 ft. wide (180-300 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun in humus-rich, well-drained soils. Best growth occurs with consistently moist soils that do not dry out. Banana trees do not do well in drought conditions since they need to be watered often for proper growth. Shelter from the wind to prevent the leaves from being damaged. Fertilize plants regularly during the growing season.
  • Great choice for containers or Mediterranean gardens where it will proudly stand out.
  • Disease free. Keep an eye out for glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs and aphids.
  • Native to Southeast Asia, Australia, eastern Africa.

Requirements

Hardiness 10 - 11
Climate Zones 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Fruits, Perennials
Plant Family Musaceae
Genus Musa
Common names Banana, Cavendish Banana
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 12' - 20' (3.7m - 6.1m)
Spread 6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)
Spacing 72" - 120" (180cm - 3m)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Garden Uses Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Musa ornata (Flowering Banana)
Musa acuminata ‘Zebrina’ (Stripe-Leaved Banana)
Musa velutina (Pink Banana)
Musa x paradisiaca (Edible Banana)
Musa coccinea (Scarlet Banana)
Musa basjoo (Japanese Banana)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 10 - 11
Climate Zones 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Fruits, Perennials
Plant Family Musaceae
Genus Musa
Common names Banana, Cavendish Banana
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 12' - 20' (3.7m - 6.1m)
Spread 6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)
Spacing 72" - 120" (180cm - 3m)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Garden Uses Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Musa (Banana) to pick?
Compare Now

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