Plant Type:
Tree-like Herbaceous Perennial
Musa sikkimensis ‘Bengal Tiger’ is actually a very large growing herbaceous perennial, despite being known commonly as a ‘banana tree’. This is because the stem does not turn woody.
Cold Hardiness:
Half Hardy
Musa sikkimensis ‘Bengal Tiger’ has survived winter temperatures of -5ºC in the Grow Paradise garden. To achieve this we wrapped the stem with a layer of horticultural fleece.
Eventual Height:
2.5m
Musa sikkimensis ‘Bengal Tiger’ are very fast growing plants and can easily reach 2m in height in one growing season.
Light requirements:
Full sun – Partial Shade
Although Musa sikkimensis ‘Bengal Tiger’ will grow perfectly happily in partial shade, we find that the glorious red leaf markings occur most when the plant is grown in full sun.
Water Requirements:
Frequent
Caring for this plant:
Spring & Summer: Unwrap protected pseudostems of your banana plants after risk of frost has passed. Cut back any cold damaged foliage or stems. Feed regularly to promote healthy growth throughout the season.
Autumn & Winter: Wrap the pseudostem if you want to guarantee preserving the height of your outdoor banana plants. We recommend using horticultural fleece, but some growers build a cage surround packed with straw. Mild parts of the UK will not need to protect these cold tolerant banana plants.
