Leaves of the hardy banana plant grow at a fast pace in spring

Musa basjoo

Japanese Fiber Banana, Hardy Banana

(58 customer reviews)

From: £17.95

Hardy banana is aptly named for being the most cold-hardy banana tree, a perfect choice of plant to lend an exotic and tropical aura to your home garden.

Musa basjoo produces huge but delicate paddle-shaped leaves which glow as the sun shines through them.

Order today for shipping on Tuesday 5th December.

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Origin: China
Genus: Musa
Species / Cultivar: basjoo
Common Name: Japanese Fiber Banana, Hardy Banana

Plant Biography

Whilst it is also known as Japanese Fibre Banana, Musa basjoo doesn’t actually originate from Japan as was previously thought. Rather, it originated in Southern China, with the most significant wild population in the Sichuan province and was exported to Japan where it is used ornamentally and to create a textile known as ‘Banana Cloth’.

They have since become popular ornamental plants around the world for any garden with enough space to accommodate them. Whilst our Musa basjoo are sold as ‘outdoor plants’, they can successfully be kept indoors in a large enough room.

Part of the natural aesthetic of Musa basjoo is the splits in its large, delicate leaves. This is an evolutionary tactic for them to avoid the main stem being damaged by strong winds, which would otherwise catch on the large surface area of their foliage. To ensure your banana leaves stay entire they need to be kept in a sheltered spot.

Leaves of the hardy banana plant grow at a fast pace in spring
Soil: Moist but Well Drained
Soil that allows water to drain at a moderate rate, without the water pooling.
Growth Rate: Fast
Expect to see prolific growth, especially during growing season.
Water Requirement: High
Likely to require supplementary watering in warmer months, even once established.
Maintenance: Moderate
Some special care needed, which may include pruning or winter protection.
Situation: Full Sun
Wants direct, unfiltered sunlight most of the day, such as a south facing position.
Eventual Height: 3m
The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.
Eventual Spread: 3m
The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.
Hardiness: Hardy
Survives unprotected in an average winter. May need protection in extreme long frosts.
Habit: Deciduous
Sheds all its foliage annually, so for a period of the year it will be without foliage.

Expert Tip

During the growing season Musa basjoo is almost impossible to overfeed or overwater and can repay your care with a new 3 metre long leaf every week.
Care & Size Guidance

Care & Size Guidance

For plants grown directly in the ground, cut stems back to 60cm after frost kills the leaves, wrap stems with hessian, horticultural fleece, or any other breathable material, and apply a thick mulch to the ground to protect the roots. Plants in containers may be kept in a dry, unheated area over winter.

Whether kept indoors or outdoors, it’s important to consider that the Hardy Banana is a large plant when it matures, and thus requires a spot with enough space.
Please Note:

Please Note:

As Musas are quite delicate, it is almost impossible to ship them without damage. Therefore, we have to cut the leaves before shipping the plant to you, but don’t worry – new leaves will quickly emerge.
Very attractive mini banana tree, packaged with care, and arrived in good condition. Potted up same day, given food and water, and the pretty little banana plant has really perked up and already growing nicely.

H F D.

Very attractive mini banana tree, packaged with care, and arrived in good condition. Potted up same day, given food and water, and the pretty little banana plant has really perked up and already growing nicely.

58 customer reviews for Musa basjoo

Bought this last year, protected as best I can through the winter. Sadly hasnt survived. Not sure what else to try.

Kevin roman –

Arrived well wrapped – due to size hard to gauge health but have planted out and looking forward to seeing the resulting growth. Have bought palms here and arrived healthy and well packaged also

Andy –

The plant was smaller than described, disappointed 🙁

Dave Deakin –

Arrived the following morning perfectly wrapped and in perfect condition..Exactly as described .Well done.

Jack Magnus –

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