Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii' |  Enste maurelii

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Though from the high mountains of East Africa, the Red Abyssinian Banana is sure to bring the look and feel of the tropics to any American garden. It is cold hardy when grown outdoors to USDA Zone 9a (-25F), and possibly 8a-b since winters are generally warmer as of late. In containers it might only be hardy outdoors to USDA Zone 9b. That said, in colder climates, container-grown plants can be sheltered indoors during the colder winter months and moved back outdoors when temperatures warm in spring. In our gardens, it reaches about 8 to 10 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide at the top, but we hear it will go to 20 feet tall in tropical, frost-free climates. Its long and broad paddle-shaped leaves up to 10 feet long are olive-green flushed with burgundy-red. It thrives in a sunny to partially shaded location, however the red coloration is stronger with more sun. We suggest 5 hours or more of direct sunlight per day. This is one of those outstanding plants that will not go unnoticed in the garden!

Landscape & Garden Uses 

Growing up to 10 feet tall and 8 wide, the Red Abyssinian Banana is ideal for use as a specimen or in groupings in landscape borders and garden beds. Perfect for use as a centerpiece in combination container gardens that can be overwintered in cooler climates. Especially nice around swimming pools and ponds, patios, decks and other outdoor sitting and living spaces. 

Suggested Spacing:  10 feet apart for space between plants in groupings

The Red Abyssinian Banana is very easy to grow in most any moist but well-drained soil of average fertility and full sun to part shade. it might actually apprecizate some filtered sun during the mid afternoon hours when the sun is most intense. Keep in mind it prefers a moist soil, but doesn't like a constantly waterlogged soil or standing water. When growing in containers, choose a pot of 18 inches or more in top diameter with a drainage hole(s) and use a quality potting soil or potting mix or a 50/50 combination thereof. In colder climates where temperatures will drop below fereezing it can be sheltered indoors for the winter. Because of its large leaves, it is best sited where it won't be exposed directly to high winds. Courtyards, atriums, and walled gardens are ideal.  

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