Hardy Banana Tree question

19 years ago

Hi,

I'm not any sort of expert on palms, though I enjoy the few I have. This year I ordered a hardy banana from Spring Hill (I know they don't have a great reputation, but in this case it was great.) All I know is it was advirtised as a 'hardy banana' to zone 6, which is me.

My question is - what do I do with it this winter. Mulch heavily? Cut off the fronds now? in the spring? never?

I'm attaching a picture so you can see the size. There is another one about a fourth as big. They do seem to be quite hardy as the smaller one 'died' five times - twice from late frosts, then once because I tried to protect it from the frost with plastic and two mowings once I thought it was gone.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

~Deborah :-)

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:405992}}

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Comments (2)

donray
19 years ago
Hey Scully!I am no expert on palms or bananas! :)
We have a banana forum at GW, I have a link below for you. There are several ways to care for a banana, I treat mine just like my cannas in a 7, but it's my understanding you wait for first frost to hit then there are several ways to store or protect. In really cold zones, they are removed and stored in cool,dry places for the winter, or, some people leave just a foot of trunk and cover with mulch or leaves in a wire cage. Some cover with plastic in wet winter areas to keep dry. I cut mine to the ground and cover with the remainder of its own leaves and some maple leaves. Best thing is to go to the link below and do a search there for what's best in your zone. That looks like a Musa Basjoo to me, but could be a sikkimensis as well. Both are cold hardy.There are some really knowledgable members in the banana forum.

Here is a link that might be useful: Banana forum
scully931
Original Author
19 years ago
Donray,

Thank you so much for the link to the banana forum. I didn't even think to look for a banana forum. :-) I'll look around there and post again if I don't find an answer, but I'll probably end up just doing what you said you do to yours.

~Deborah
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