Bring the Tropics Home with a Red Abyssinian Banana

The Red Abyssinian Banana (Ensete maurelii) is an exceptional ornamental plant that adds a vibrant, tropical touch to any garden or indoor space. This listing is for one tissue culture banana plant/plug, measuring 3-6 inches in height. You’ll receive the plant with its root ball carefully wrapped in damp paper towel and a protective plastic bag for safe shipment.

This stunning banana tree boasts foliage flushed with burgundy, with the coloration intensifying under higher light levels. Growing up to 10 feet tall in temperate zones and 20 feet in tropical regions, the Ensete maurelii features leaves that can reach an impressive 10 feet in length. It’s perfect for summer borders or large containers, offering an exotic flair to your landscape.

Benefits of Growing Red Abyssinian Banana:

• Adds a dramatic, tropical aesthetic to your garden or patio.
• Burgundy-flushed foliage provides unique visual interest.
• Can be grown in containers, making it suitable for smaller spaces.
• Relatively easy to care for, thriving in a range of light conditions.

For optimal growth, fertilize your Red Abyssinian Banana regularly with a high-nitrogen organic fertilizer. Ensure it receives bright light and consistent warmth, ideally with temperatures in the 80s during the day and around 67°F at night. In colder climates, overwintering indoors is recommended. Plant in zones 8a to 10b.

These bananas prefer to be planted in patches, providing shade that is cooler than regular shade. This is a great plant to add a tropical look to your pool and patio area.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How big will my Red Abyssinian Banana plant get? Typically grows to 10 feet tall in temperate climates and up to 20 feet in tropical areas.
2. What are the ideal growing conditions for Ensete maurelii? It prefers full sun to part sun and thrives in well-drained soil with regular watering.
3. How often should I fertilize my banana plant? Fertilize every couple of months with a high-nitrogen organic fertilizer.
4. What is the best way to overwinter my Red Abyssinian Banana in a cold climate? Dig up the rhizome, remove the leaves, and store the plant dry in a heated area.
5. How much sunlight does this plant need? It requires bright light, ideally 12 hours a day, to maintain its vibrant color.