🍌 'Musa basjoo' Banana Tree – The hardy banana tree (outdoors), XXL foliage

4" (6–18") pot

Musa 'basjoo' , also known as Japanese Hardy Banana , is the hardiest banana plant for the garden. It produces giant, tropical foliage in a single season, creating a spectacular "jungle" effect even in cold climates. Planted in the ground with winter protection , it will regrow from the corm in spring.

Strengths

• Very hardy for a banana tree: outdoor cultivation possible with mulch/protection.
• Ultra-fast growth and giant leaves for an immediate exotic look.
• Ideal for flowerbeds/terraces and also in large pots (to be overwintered indoors).

Quick guide

• Height: ~2–4 m in season (up to 4–5 m in mild climate or greenhouse).
• Hardiness: The bulb can withstand frost with protection (thick mulch, insulated sleeve). The pseudostem may freeze but will regrow from the base in spring.
• Light: full sun to very bright.
• Watering: regular in summer; rich and well-draining soil (appreciates abundant watering in hot weather).
• Fertilizer: during active growth, apply a rich supply every 1–2 weeks.
• Wind: choose a sheltered location (large leaves can tear).
• Flowering/fruits: mainly ornamental in cold climates; fruits inedible if they appear.

Winter protection (cold climates)

• In open ground: cut the leaves after frost, mulch thickly (30–45 cm), surround the pseudostem with a cylinder (trellis/canvas) filled with leaves/straw; cover the top to limit water.
• In a pot: overwinter in a frost-free location (cool garage, greenhouse, bright basement); water very little.

Note: In cold climates (e.g., Quebec), 'basjoo' is cultivated for its spectacular foliage. Actual hardiness depends on protection, drainage, and the duration/intensity of frost.