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Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii' (Red banana, Abyssinian banana, Ethiopian banana)

Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii' Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

(Based on 1 user review)

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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii' en-SET-ay ven-trih-KOE-sum Common Name: Red banana, Abyssinian banana, Ethiopian banana Synonyms: Musa arnoldiana, Musa ensete Genus: Ensete
This banana-like perennial has large paddle-shaped leaves, which range in color from deep claret brown to red-purple to pale green, produced from the center of the plant, with thick midribs bright red beneath. White flowers are borne in inflorescences 3 to 4 feet long. Fruits are banana-like but dry and unpalatable.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Large reddish leaves. Reaches 20 feet or more.
 Care: Native to the tropical and subtropical forests of Africa, bananas are large herbaceous plants that die back in winter in frosty areas. Grow outdoors in rich soil in a sheltered area. Lift plants before first frost, cut back long roots, and reduce top-growth to the newest 2 or 3 leaves.
 Propagation: Sow seed in spring after soaking in tepid water for 24 hours. Germination is erratic.
 Problems: Spider mites and aphids may be problems, especially under glass.
Height Over 30 ft.
Spread 10 ft. to 15 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Showy Foliage
Bloom Time Early Summer; Late Summer; Summer
Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage
Flower Color White Flower
Uses , Specimen Plant/ Focal Point
Seasonal Interest , Summer Interest
Type ,Perennials

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