I want a banana plant

My preference has always been large structural plants and after joining this forum I want a banana plant. What is the best/hardiest to get, also do they need full sun, if so the best place would be my front garden and it would have to go in a pot, is this ok.
Thanks
Kevin

[ 15. May 2007, 01:04 PM: Message edited by: Keving ]

 

bm will tell you all you need to know about banana trees he is the expert on them keving

 

Musa Basjoo is the hardy one, around �£12 from garden centres. Roots very hardy but if you don't cover the stem with fleece in winter it will die back then you will get new shoots in the spring, but if you wrap fleece round it and pop a bag over the top it will sprout from main stem again in spring, then you will get the height and after few years it will flower. Then the main stem will die but you will have loads more off shoots getting pretty tall.

 

You can buy musa basjoo plants for as little as �£8 try--www.turn-it-tropical.co.uk Amulree exotics. I get all my exotics from here.

 

Keving, as they say the hardiest is probably basjoo, mine has not been killed to the ground for quite a few years now, fingers crossed. :D
Would add to what has already been said that a position sheltered from strong winds, as the leaves tear easily, and winter sun if possible, would be best. I dont think I would like to leave a plant outside all winter in a pot unless it was in a frost free place.

 

Pete is right, musa basjoo is the hardiest. I leave mine outside in the winter all wrapped up in fleece.
this tree is now in its third year.

Fancy

 

Thanks all for advise, musa basjoo it is then.
Fancy, nice plant and i will try the web site suggested.