'nana Musa Tandarra Red

Anybody ever grown a 'nana Musa Tandarra Red?

A friend has just given us one, about 9" tall, looks quite healthy.

What conditions does it need, light, heat, etc.?

I'm thinking of growing a 'nana in the garden (S E England Kent, on the coast) would Musa Basjoo be ok and will it over-winter out doors?

Does it need full sun, wind shade, plenty of compost, watering?

Thanks Leucojum

 

Sounds like a good one Leucojum, not tried it myself, let us know how it gets on, a pic would be nice.

Basjoo overwinters pretty good here in Kent, no real problems, I dont even protect mine any more.
Wind is a problem, you may find it more of a problem on the coast, lots of feed and water also helps.
But once established you can just leave a clump to get on with it.

 

Thanks Pete,

Do you cut it back in autumn, what soil does it prefer, how big does it grow?

Will add a pic when I find out how to do it!

Leucojum

 

I have a couple of clumps, that have been in the same place for about 6years now, they reach a height of about 12 - 14ft in the summer with leaves probably 6-8ft long, (Including stem).
They are growing in my normal garden soil which is fairly heavy but shallow, on top of solid clay.
I guess the roots are well down in the clay now as I never water them.

 

This is what they look like now, not a pretty sight, but there is new green already showing.

 

Musa Tandarra Red



Just a tiddler, but hey who knows what heights it might reach?

Leucojum

 

Have an idea its probably not hardy Leucojum, but in a large pot in summer in the garden it would look spectacular.
The colouring may well come out more in stronger light.

 

Its not hardy at all, needs a warm spot over winter.

But a very nice plant once mature.

 

Got a nice spot in the conservatory this summer for when it gets going. Leucojum

 

It will be fine outside during the summer months, its the winter months you really need it inside.

 

What other Musa's besides basjoo are ok outside all year?

Know of any good informative sites on Musa's?
Leucojum

 

Musella Lasiocarpa,musa basjoo, musa sikkimensis are all considered to be root hardy they will die back to the ground in winter and regrow (hopefully) in spring, the lasiocarpa is a dwarf variety growing only 4ft tall it's not a true bannana.