Cold Hardy Banana Tree

Yes, you read that right – the Cold Hardy Banana Tree, or Japanese Banana, will grow in zone 6. With winter protection of the roots, of course. This small tree brings the look of the tropics all the way to Philadelphia, and can be grown outdoors year-round across much of the country. Really fast-growing, it will grow up to 12 feet tall in a single season, and the striking leaves can be 6 feet long. This is a real banana species, not some ‘look alike’, and it will produce those striking hanging flower clusters and hands of small, yellow bananas. Of course, you can’t have everything in life, and those fruits might look good, but they are inedible, having fibrous flesh and many black seeds – oh well. . . . You can grow this beautiful tree in the ground or in a pot, and enjoy its striking beauty on a terrace or indoors in a bright room. Indeed, if you are in a colder zone the only way to get it to fruit is to bring it in for the winter, as stems must grow until they have 12 leaves before they will flower, and there isn’t time for that outdoors if the stem is winter-killed. This fabulous conversation-piece is really worth growing, and surprisingly easy too – you too can imagine you live in Florida, Barbados or Hawaii.

• True banana tree, growing to 12 feet in a single season
• Forms an attractive clump of striking foliage
• Underground parts are hardy to -10oF if mulched
• Older stalks will produce a big bunch of yellow bananas
• Grows best in sun, in moist soil, or in a pot

Plant your Cold Hardy Banana Tree in full sun. Potted trees should spend winter in a bright room, and be outdoors from mid-spring to early fall. Plant it in rich, well-drained soil, with plenty of added compost, and water regularly – it isn’t drought tolerant. A spot sheltered from the wind is ideal, since strong winds can shred the leaves. In a pot use regular houseplant potting soil and feed regularly with liquid fertilizer for foliage plants. Mulch with at least 6 inches of straw for the winter, cutting down the stalk first if you are in a colder zone. New growth will sprout in spring and can reach 12 feet in the season. Vigorous and fast-growing, it rarely has any serious pest or disease issues if watered regularly and in rich soil.