Try going to garden centers and ask. I went to a few different garden centers here in southern Ontario and I didn't see any.... and than boom, out of nowhere I finally found a place with Dwarf Cavendish. Sometimes they might be able to pre-order for you as well. Good luck.

Thanks Dave, it's a good idea, but all of the garden centers around here, usually only have the most common ornamental types, nothing rare or different. I almost always have to order online if I want uncommon types of anything not just bananas.

I've found that sometimes local (family-owned) garden centers have more unique varieties. And you can usually message them on Facebook and ask if they have what you want, without having to go to each one.

I actually have a velutina that I got at a Duke university gardens annual plant sale. So, they're out there!

Thank you, lucky_cloud. Wow, that was lucky for you! (I am NEVER lucky.) The garden centers here go with the 'tried and true' approach, they rarely get different or unique items, not even with vegetables! I have only once found Ensete locally and that was several years ago. A company called 'Ellis Pottery' was once my go to place for uncommon plants, but now they just have the usual ho-hum stuff.

However I will take your advice, and email a few, before I drive all over town and get frustrated!