Plant Type:
Tree-like herb
Musa sikkimensis is one of the largest growing herbs in the world. The stem of these half-hardy bananas is made up of herbaceous material and is actually called a ‘pseudostem’. This faux stem enables Musa sikkimensis plants to grow rapidly taller each year, even here in the UK!
Cold Hardiness:
Half-hardy
Musa sikkimensis is often considered the 2nd hardiest species of banana that we can grow in the UK. It will remain in leaf with a solid stem in mild winters, but will get knocked back to ground level in persistent cold temperature. The root zone of Musa sikkimensis is extremely hardy and young plants will rapidly regrow in the milder weather of spring.
Eventual Height:
3m
These large growing plants require mild winter weather to reach their best proportions. Musa sikkimensis will typically remain at about 1-2m in height for the majority of the UK.
Light requirements:
Full Sun / Partial Shade
Musa sikkimensis is a very adaptable plant that will thrive in both full sun and partially shaded conditions.
Water Requirements:
Frequent in summer
Water your Musa sikkimensis plants frequently in the warmer summer months. Frequent watering will encourage the largest and healthiest banana leaves to grow.
Caring for this plant:
Musa sikkimensis is a reasonably low maintenance plant for UK gardens. Its rapid growth rate and adaptability make it a great choice for many gardeners.
Spring/Summer care: In summer water the plant frequently, this will ensure the leaves stay healthy. Fertilise Musa sikkimensis once a week during spring and summer with a liquid feed to promote healthy growth.
Autumn/Winter care: In winter we recommend wrapping the stem to protect it from cold damage. Use horticultural fleece as a wrapping material and unwrap when the weather warms in spring.
