Content
- The Japanese banana plant: Profile of the Musa basjoo
- Short profile:
- Leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds
- overwinter
- Winter quarters in the open air:
- potted plants
- Popular breeding forms
- Tips & Tricks
The Japanese banana plant: Profile of the Musa basjoo
With proper care and a sunny location, some banana trees thrive in native gardens. Among the most resistant varieties is the Musa basjoo. We report on their origin, needs and their protective winter quarters.
Short profile:
Leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds
The leaves of Musa bajoo reach in their home impressive dimensions of 3 meters in length and a width of up to 30 centimeters. Hanging inflorescences are completed by a magnificent flowering. Their fruits grow between 5 and 7 centimeters and have round, black seeds (diameter: 6 - 8 millimeters).
In Central Europe, this banana plant also produces flowers and small bananas. However, the fruits are not edible, as they can not mature due to the short growing season.
overwinter
Larger specimens can hibernate in mild areas in the garden. Banana trees generally take their leaves during cold hibernation, but their rhizome (root ball) withstands temperatures as low as -12 degrees Celsius. This spring, the banana will be revived from the ground.
Winter quarters in the open air:
Hibernation in the open air should be well prepared. To do so, set the root ball of the perennial free. In the following step apply a thick protective layer of leaves or bark mulch.
Make sure that the entire rhizome is completely packed. In addition, a wire frame can serve to fix the heat material. Before the first frost until after the last night frosts in spring the protection on the plant remains.
potted plants
Smaller perennials cut down to the trunk. In the stairwell or dark basement, the banana feels comfortable in cool temperatures. From the beginning of March, the plant enjoys its usual place on the sunny windowsill.
Popular breeding forms
Tips & Tricks
In addition to this robust banana tree, other varieties are suitable for cultivation in local gardens.
FT