You must be the envy of the banana world! I now know why the AeAe is so desirable. Please post more photos as it grows this season.

That is a cool looking banana. My first attempt at banana seeds failed, going to try again soon. I love the plastic forks used as labels, lol, I might have to try that out on some of the seed I am planting. Or were you just eating dirt, LOL? I wonder how bananas would do in my zone considering the longer dormancy period?
Shawn

Gotta do something with those forks once the rice is gone..LOL You can grow Basjoo and it should come back each yr.. If you are looking for fruit you will need to over winter them either inside or dormant...There are several that would do good for you ..

Oh Kylie that is absolutely gorgeous!! WOW

I am so happy for you that the nanas are making your days brighter!

Lucy

Kylie, your AeAe is beautiful!
Great job your doing with it!

Karen

Its really pretty! I love it.

Kylie, where did you pick up the Ae Ae? I have (so far) successfully wintered over my three Siam Rubys in the garage. They have put on about 2 feet of growth with the longer days. Can't wait to get them back in the ground and see how tall they can get. I'd love to have an Ae Ae to plant next to them! Here they were earlier last season, next to the Pretoria cannas.

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Oh Kylie, I so covet the AE AE. I've tried a couple of times to bid on ebay, but either the price goes up too much or I forget to go back and check and miss out on bidding. Just as well, I would probably kill it.

Dave, your Siam Ruby is a beauty. I have a small 6" plant that I am hoping will succeed and get as large as yours. How do you care for yours?

Eloise,

No special care. I did fertilize and tried to prepare the soil with some manure before I planted it. Our warm, humid summers are great for growing bananas.

Older Siam Ruby:
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Red Abbie:
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Zebrina:
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Your Siams are beautiful.. Mine had to be cut back it had a weak spot on the P-stem.. I just picked up a couple more from Agri~starts co~op hoping to get a different color pattern...

Gorgeous, Dave! I can't wait to get my Siam Ruby's from the DG Co-Op.

Although, now I'm thinking I need an AeAe planted next to a SR for that really bold visual impact...

I can't wait for my new ones either. My siam kicked it this winter. It is less cold hardy than I thought. I left it out a few times on the screen patio with the other nanas and it started declining and didn't come back grrr.

I am planning a new nanner bed. Last year I had some intermixed with the brugs and they take over and shade the brugs too much.

Forgot to say that everyone's photos are fabulous.

I love all of the pics. The color on the Siam Ruby is great, but I have to say the Red Abbie just looks so regal in that pic. This thread is making me want to try some bananas!
Shawn

sultry,

I had a large Siam Ruby in the garage, and it started to develop some rot at the top of the pseudostem, so I cut it back a few inches to good tissue and brought it indoors for a few days. It started growing - fast! Now it's back in the garage. It would get spider mites in the house and get really weak foliage. I guess a few nights were too cold in the garage. We're slowly warming up now, so it should be OK. Didn't want to lose it. I suppose they will be easier to find at the nurseries this year though if I had to replace.

Yes, I think the two look great together! These are at a friend's house in Bethesda.

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Nature just paints the prettiest colors and knocks our socks off with it many many times.

Lucy

Why oh why did I have to look at this post?? I love that AEAE as I love variegated plants. When I go to look for this on Ebay or at the store what is the actual name as I assume AEAE is an abbreviation?? I got some banana trees at Home Depot last fall and they have overwintered in pots in my garage fine so far.

**Dave, I have not heard of the pretoria cannas. I have been wanting to get the German variegated canna and will now add the pretoria to my list as well.
I had been doing fine not lusting after new plants until I read this thread! LOL!! Oh well...thanks for the great pictures!
Joyce

Joyce, check out the Karchesky Canna website, they have a big selection. I may order a few for myself this summer.
Shawn

Shawn nice going lol

Joyce aren't you glad you are back? See what you would miss!!!!

Lucy

Joyce,

I am an enabler! LOL! When you say German cannas, are you talking about Stutgart? They are quite easy to winter over, but the white parts of the leaves do burn a bit -- even in shade. I may have to settle for this until I get an Ae Ae. hah!

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Check out mgmg9495 on ebay ..LOL If you contact her she might just make ya a deal.. depending on supply.. Sorry LOL I just thought you might want to know...hehehe

Okay you guys! You are being just a bit too helpful now!!! LOL!!
**Shawn, I checked out the Karchesky Canna website. I had no idea there were so many cannas! Thanks buddy!!!
**Lucy, you really need to quit encouraging Shawn!!! LOL!!
Maybe I better go back into hibernation. You don't get in as much trouble that way!!
**Dave, Yes it is the Stutgart Canna and now the pretoria canna I will be looking for. I didn't see them locally last year so will have to order them. Thanks for telling me about the burn. I will have to be thinking of the best place for them.
Do you lift yours for the winter? Mine do fine here in the ground and I am in 7a. I do have sandy soil and I think that keeps them from rotting during the winter. Your landscaping and plants are stunning!
**Last but not least Miss Kylie!!! I checked out mgmg9495 on Ebay and she would have to make me quite a deal on the AEAE as I see her listed price is a whopping $179.99!!!! That is a bit too rich for my blood. I will just admire the pictures! LOL!!
Take care,
Joyce