If you like to eat bananas or simply love the best look of tropical plants, adding a banana tree or two to your home garden can be a rewarding endeavor. Some varieties produce edible fruit like the bananas you find in grocery stores, while others are purely decorative. Each offers a unique appeal to your garden. Banana trees are perennials in warmer climates, but even gardeners in cooler areas can enjoy them by growing them outdoors part-time or in containers.
Many gardeners have experience growing herbs or vegetables, but did you know you can also cultivate your own banana plants? In warmer climates, various types of bananas, including the Dwarf Cavendish, are popular for their fruit, resembling the bananas you’d find at the store.
For a unique twist, consider the ice cream banana tree, known for its blue bananas that taste like vanilla ice cream. There’s also the Double Mahoi, a cultivar that produces twice the usual amount of fruit. These plants not only offer delicious fruit but also serve as striking ornamental features with their large, colorful leaves.
Dwarf Cavendish
These tropical plants are hardy in zones 8 to 11 but can be enjoyed in colder areas if kept in pots and moved indoors during winter. As excellent houseplants, they bring a tropical flair to your home with their broad leaves, which start with a purple hue before maturing to green. With adequate care and enough outdoor time, they can grow up to 10 feet tall. It’s crucial to provide well-drained, nutrient-rich soil to prevent root rot and ensure the plant gets full sun. When indoors, place them in a well-lit spot to keep them thriving.
Cold Hardy Japanese Banana
These trees do not produce edible fruit; the fruits are safe to touch but not suitable for consumption, unlike grocery store bananas. In colder regions, the main stem will die back in winter, but the rhizome underground survives, allowing the tree to regrow in spring. Japanese banana trees are prized for their ability to bring a tropical feel to temperate areas, making them perfect for poolside or outdoor lounge settings. They tolerate partial shade, which is beneficial for gardeners without full sun exposure.
Ice Cream Banana
For those with a sweet tooth, the ice cream banana tree is a must-have. Its fruit ripens to a stunning icy blue and has a vanilla ice cream flavor. The large, lush leaves add ornamental value, making it a great choice for indoor or outdoor planting. In cooler climates, these trees thrive in containers. Plant them in a large pot with high-quality, well-draining potting mix and ensure they receive about eight hours of sunlight for optimal growth. After harvesting, you can cut back the main stalk, as it won’t bear fruit again, allowing new growth from the base.
Red Banana
Red banana plants produce somewhat dry, banana-like fruits. While technically edible, they are quite different from store-bought bananas. These plants are primarily valued for their ornamental features, with large, green leaves accented by red edges and veins. They can thrive in partial shade, which can help keep the soil moist and prevent drying out. The striking contrast of their foliage makes them a standout addition to any garden.
Double Mahoi
Like other banana trees, the Double Mahoi requires plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil to avoid root rot. They thrive in nutrient-rich environments, so amending the soil with compost annually is recommended. Double Mahoi is hardy in zones 8 to 11 and can be grown as a tropical houseplant in cooler regions. It’s important to protect these plants from freezing temperatures, especially in colder zones.
Little Prince
Ideal for small spaces, the Little Prince banana tree grows to about four feet wide, making it easy to manage and move. This variety prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. With proper care, it can produce edible fruit, and extra sunlight can enhance the color of its leaves, adding a touch of red.
Grand Nain
The Grand Nain banana tree, similar to the Dwarf Cavendish, produces classic yellow bananas. It requires full sunlight and well-drained soil, along with frequent fertilization to thrive. Given its tall stature, planting it near a structure can help protect it from wind damage while ensuring it still gets enough sun.
Blood Banana
Also known as the stripe leaf banana, this variety is recognized for its striking red-striped leaves. Compact and easy to manage, the blood banana reaches about six feet in height, making it a great choice for container gardening. While the fruit is edible, it’s not suited for culinary uses like smoothies due to its seed-filled nature.
With these options, you can choose the perfect banana tree to enhance your garden, whether for fruit, aesthetics, or both.
