Hi Helen,

Finally had time to pop back in to the forums. My banana plants are going into their third season with me. They've been through two winters - in the ground. I'm a very low maintenance gardener. I bury my cannas deeper than normal and did the same with the banana plants. i always mulch with whatever leaves and grass clippings I can get my hands on to preserve moisture in the summer and for added warmth and protection in the winter.

A lot of people think that if there's a lot of snow in a winter, that it was a harsh winter. When in reality, the more snow, the better for the plants because it's insulation. A harsh winter for plants is one where there is no snow and the temps go into the teens for several days in a row. This past winter we didn't see much snow, but we saw low temps. So I fully expected to not be surprised if the bananas didn't come back. But they're back in full force and multiplying in unammended soil (other than mulch that breaks down) with no irrigation.

So the answer to your questions are no, they are not in containers, they are planted directly in the ground. And no, I do not bring them in during the winter. I'm very limited on space and will reserve it for other plants.

Now if only the Japanese Beetle season would end, then my banana plants would look and feel much better!

Thanks Violet, Yes I agree about the snow! When I lived in Iowa it protected a lot of things as long as it didn't get too deep. Those Japanese Beetles are the worst! I never had them before moving here. I thought I could have at least four tea roses and I sprayed but I had to be gone a few days and they stripped the leaves. Don't know if I can tolerate them or not. I'll probably have to try the banana plants. I did plant my cannas deep. So maybe I'll try leaving them in the ground this winter, well mulched. Thanks again for the info. ozarkjean