Ensete maurelii 'Red Abyssinian' Banana

Hi folks. I just bought one of these Having read up a little on it, it seems it needs to be overwintered in a frost-free place. I know with some bananas they can be left outside to overwinter (with protection). Has anyone tried to leave one of these outside ? Cheers...freddy.

 

I've not tried outside all winter, I was going to this coming winter, but my large plant from a couple of years ago seems to have died on me this year.
I think it got just too cold for it in my garage.
Its not thought to be winter hardy, as to get through without rotting it needs to be kept dry at the roots, not possible in the garden.

In a couple of years or maybe sooner you will have to plant it out as it will bee tooo big to move.:D

 

Ok Pete, thanks.

 

Am pretty sure mine has kicked the bucket as well but havent yet tipped it out of its pot to see. Booger....... I took it into the greenhouse last winter along with my 3 cannas which all seem to be coming back now. Ah well....... will just have to get another LOL.

 

Hi folks. It's put on plenty of growth since I planted it, and I had thought to leave it to take it's chances outside. However, I have some spare space in my greenhouse, So what I did was dug it up, put it in an Ikea bag with some added compost, gave it some water and wrapped it in fleece. If it gets too cold during the winter nights, I may well give it a little heat. I don't think this will be an option next year (if it survives) as it's going to be too big, I reckon ! Does what I've done sound reasonable ?

Cheers...freddy.

 

Hi Freddy, have you seen the Winter Banana thread? ive put mine in my bedroom I hope yours Survives, At least you can give yours some winter heat.. Fingers crossed for you..

 

Hi Dee. Yes, I did notice that thread, which is what prompted me to post again here. It really is quite an impressive plant and I don't want to lose it if I can help it. In my previous post I said that it would be too big to do this next year, but I was wondering, any reason why I couldn't cut it back so that it fits in my greenhouse ?
Good luck with yours too Dee

Cheers...freddy.

 

Is it that tall? you lucky duck hahaha.. Yeah some do cut them right back, then build a frame round them stuffed with straw, but thats outside.. you can only try Freddy, im sure BM or Pete will see this and give you better advice than me.. There lovely plants and id hate to loose mine, it was only £10 but id like to see it get bigger than a couple of foot

 

Freddy, if your going to cut it back I would suggest you try to do it when the root ball is fairly dry.

A soggy pot of compost and a hard cut back plant takes a long time to dry out.

I lost mine last winter, I think it was just too cold for it in the garage, but it survived the winter before that well.
But it was not watered all winter.

 

Hi Pete, thanks for the reply. As said, the cutting back thing was a thought for next year when it's too big. You reckon I have it right for this year ?
Cheers...freddy.

 

Sorry Freddy I didn't read back far enough.

I'm not sure as to what you have done, an Ikea bag????

I think your risking it just a bit.

Not tried this myself, so only guessing, but keep it dry, are my thoughts, rot is probably the biggest enemy.
Plenty of air circulation and keep it frost free or a bit warmer if you can.

 

Hi Pete. An Ikea bag, in essence, a bit like one of those potato growing bags one can buy. As I said, if i need to, I will use my greenhouse heater (at night).
Cheers...freddy.

 

well I hope it works Freddy, but dont over water.

 

Ok Pete, thanks