Cold Hardy Bananas

Banana Leaves are damaged by frost and completely killed by a hard freeze.  The root-rhizome is much hardier.  If heavily mulched and planted in a well drained soil, it can survive in zone 6 and even colder and will come back in the spring.  Bananas will rot in the ground during a cold, wet winter if not given excellent drainage.  Use our Boxwood potting soil.

Bananas can’t be over-watered or fertilized while they are growing.  They need a monthly fertilizing with a high nitrogen fertilizer.  For winter protection, just cut off the trunk and mulch heavily with pine straw. 

Musa basjoo (Japanese Fiber Banana) has been touted as the world’s most hardy banana.  It has been said the it will grow in all 50 states.  Root hardiness to al least –14F, with heavy mulching.  This plant will grow to 8-10 ft in a single season.

Musella lasiocarpa (Chinese Yellow Banana) is closely related to the Musas or true bananas.  It is only slightly less hardy than Musa basjoo.  It grows 4-6 ft tall, with stiff leaves that are not bothered by the wind.  The foliage is similar to Bird of Paradise.  This plant has a large lotus like yellow bloom.