Commonly known as Banana, Musa are tree-like tender or half-hardy perennials which have palm like foliage with false stems (trunks) formed from overlapping leaf sheaths. Grown as a summer bedding plant or greenhouse specimen for their large foliage and structural impact, preferring a sheltered position in full sun, in a well-drained but rich fertile soil. Musa basjoo and Musa ‘Ever Red’ can survive outdoors over winter in mild areas, they will not tolerate temperatures lower than -5C to 0C. They can be grown in large containers and moved into shelter for winter in areas with cold winters.

How to grow

• Plant Musa in spring between February and May, ideally within a week of delivery.
  
• Soak the root-ball in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting. Plant into a temporary 15-20cm diameter pot, or directly into a 25-30cm patio container using a good quality multi-purpose compost.
  
• Plant with the root ball fully submerged. The stem should be left exposed after planting. The base of the stem should be level with the soil surface after potting.
  
• Grow it on in a greenhouse or sheltered, sunny position outside where temperatures will not fall below 0C.
  
• Musa initially planted into small temporary pots can be transplanted into suitable borders once growth is established and the plant easily comes out of the pots with the soil held intact by the roots.
  
• When planting into the garden, choose a sheltered position in full sun or very light shade. Musa needs a rich, moist but free draining soil.
  
• Remove excess growth from neighbouring plants in the border to reduce competition.
  
• This plant is half hardy, meaning it can tolerate winter temperatures to -5C/0C in sheltered gardens. Successful overwintering outdoors also depends on the soil and exposure. It is recommended that Musa is either moved to frost free conditions for winter, or wrapped with horticultural fleece even in areas with mild winters.
  
• Water-in after planting and keep hydrated when in growth, particularly during the first year.

Aftercare

• Musa benefits from a fortnightly feed with general purpose liquid fertiliser during spring and summer.
  
• Prune away any dying foliage when needed.
  
• Cut away the past season’s foliage in late autumn or early spring.