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Musa zebrina (Blood banana)

Musa zebrina Photo/Illustration: Danielle Sherry



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Musa zebrina MOO-sah zeb-REE-nah Common Name: Blood banana Genus: Musa
Fleshy, rubberlike leaves make this oversize tender perennial a winner. Dark markings on the leaves make this cultivar especially noteworthy. The foliage is green with random reddish purple markings. The orangish or red flowers appear on mature plants and produce orange, inedible fruit.
 Care: Provide full sun and humusy soil in a sheltered location, away from wind.
 Propagation: From offsets or seed. Seeds may take several months to germinate.
 Problems: Cucumber mosaic virus, black leaf streak, anthracnose, wilt, spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, burrowing nematode.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Showy Foliage
Foliage Color Variegated Foliage
Flower Color Orange/ Salmon Flower; Red Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Suitable as Annual
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest
Type Perennials,Tropicals

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