Perennial
Musella lasiocarpa
Golden lotus banana
Also known as: Musa lasiocarpa, Ensete lasiocarpum
A compact banana relative with upright leaves and a long-lasting golden lotus-like flower head.
- Full sun, Partial shade
- 1–1.5 m (3–5 ft)
- 0.5–1 m (2–3 ft)
- H3 · Zone 8
- May–October
- Deciduous
Overview
This Chinese clumping perennial produces stiff, paddle-shaped leaves and, once mature, a striking head of yellow bracts enclosing small flowers. The flowering shoot gradually dies while offsets continue the clump. Leaves are frost tender; protect stems and roots in winter or overwinter containers frost-free.
At a Glance
Growing Conditions
Aspect Suitability
- South-facing
- West-facing
Soil Tolerance
- Clay
- Sandy
- Loam
- Acid
- Neutral pH
- Alkaline
Foliage
- Architectural foliage
Foliage interest: May–October
Seasonal Timeline
- Flowering May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
- Foliage May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
- Propagate Mar Apr May Jun Jul
Maintenance Calendar
- Apr Remove dead foliage and restart watering as growth resumes
- May Move plants outside after frost and acclimatise gradually
- Jun Feed and maintain generous moisture through summer
- Jul Separate well-rooted offsets if required
- Oct Shelter pots frost-free or insulate drained outdoor crowns
- Dec Keep resting plants barely moist and remove rot promptly
Garden Design
Works well in: Contemporary, Tropical
Fits smaller spaces than most bananas. Flowering begins only on mature shoots and the display can last several months.
Companion planting: Cannas, Gingers, Low grasses
Wildlife Value
- Shelter
Safety
No well-established major toxicity; ornamental fruit is not a dessert banana.