Plant Type:
Tree-like herb
Musella lasiocarpa, or the “Chinese Hardy Banana,” presents a unique appearance. It forms a sturdy, upright clump with large, paddle-shaped, glaucous green leaves. Its most striking feature is the large, golden-yellow, lotus-like flower that appears on mature plants. Growing to around 1-2 meters, it has a suckering habit, producing new shoots from the base. While it adds a tropical feel, it requires winter protection in the UK.
Cold Hardiness:
Hardy to -5ºC
Considered hardy as it can tolerate temperatures down to approximately -5°C, but requires a little winter protection. This often involves mulching, fleecing, or moving container-grown plants to sheltered areas. Its relatively compact size makes it ideal for both borders and containers, allowing for versatile placement within a garden design.
Eventual Height:
1.5 – 2m
In its native habitat, like the Yunnan province of China, Musella lasiocarpa can reach heights of up to 3 meters. However, in UK gardens, due to cooler climates and shorter growing seasons, it typically reaches a more modest 1 to 2 meters. Container growing also restricts size. While the plant retains its distinctive appearance, its eventual height is significantly reduced in UK cultivation compared to its wild growth.
Light requirements:
Full Sun / Partial Shade
Musella lasiocarpa thrives in full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade. For optimal growth and flowering, a location with plenty of sunlight is best. While adaptable, ensuring sufficient sun exposure will encourage robust development and the characteristic golden blooms.
Water Requirements:
Frequent in summer
Water your Musella lasiocarpa plants frequently in the warmer summer months. Frequent watering will encourage the largest and healthiest banana leaves to grow.
Caring for this plant:
Musa basjoo is a very 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 Musella lasiocarpa 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.
