🍌 '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.