<
>
ENSETE ventricosum 'Maurelii'
Commonly known as Ethiopian black banana
Large reddish-green leaves. Tender
Plant Details
-
Floweringlocal_floristJanlocal_floristFeblocal_floristMarlocal_floristAprlocal_floristMaylocal_floristJunlocal_floristJullocal_floristAuglocal_floristSeplocal_floristOctlocal_floristNovlocal_floristDec
-
Architectural interest
-
Exotic plants
-
Good to knowWhere size permits best moved inside and kept dry through winter. Lift plunged plants before first frosts. Cut back long roots. Reduce top growth to the newest 2 or 3 leaves. Cut dead leaves no lower than the base of each leaf-blade
-
Pests & DiseasesRed spider mites, aphids, especially under glass
-
Place of originEthiopia to Angola
-
EvergreenHuge, paddle-shaped leaves to 6m (20ft) long
-
Tender (greenhouse & conservatory)
-
Height6m (20ft)
-
Spread4m (13ft)
-
BananaFast-growing banana-like perennial. Leaves with thick midribs grow from the centre of the plant. Produces flowers concealed in arching cylinders of of bronze-red bracts in inflorescences 1-1.2m (3-4ft) long in summer
-
Tender - cool or frost free greenhouseTolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen. Except in frost-free inner-city areas or coastal extremities requires glasshouse conditions. Plant can withstand temperatures down to 1°C (34°F)
-
Summer Seasonal Interest
Planting Tips and Care Advice
-
Garden Location/Conditions
Greenhouse / conservatoryNot the sort of plants to be grown outside where there are likely to be frosts. These plants need to be grown in a conservatory or cool greenhouse or at least brought inside for the winterUse loam-based compost (JI No.3) in full light with shade from hot sun
-
Soil Conditions
Fertile moist well-drained soilOutdoors. Humus-rich
-
Sun Requirements
Full sunPartial shade