Bananen-bananas Musa himalayensis speciosa - Himalaya banana

• Article number: MUHIMSP01

Musa himalayensis speciosa is a hardy banana species that originates from the Himalayas. As the name already suggests, this plant is accustomed to low temperatures. In the eastern Himalayas, mainly located in China and Tibet, temperatures can drop to as low as –20 degrees Celsius during the colder months. The banana survives this by overwintering underground. As the plant is herbaceous, temperatures below zero cause the moisture inside the plant to freeze, which also kills the plant tissue. When temperatures rise above freezing again, the banana shoots up from the ground and, under the right conditions, can grow up to 4 meters in a year before eventually succumbing to winter once more.

It is certainly possible to make the himalayensis bloom in the Netherlands. Older plants have a higher chance of flowering, and covering the plant—or even better, wrapping it—helps it survive above ground during winter. A strong growth spurt in spring can then lead to flowers and fruits from May all the way into November. The fruits of the Himalayensis are not edible because they are filled with seeds.

In terms of appearance, the himalayensis somewhat resembles the Daijao. The leaves are sturdy and have a slight haze on the underside. The reddish tint on the lower part of the pseudostem is characteristic.

This plant performs best when planted directly in the ground. It is possible to keep the banana in a pot, but in winter the pot should be placed somewhere protected from excess moisture (for example under a canopy), or even better, in a frost-free shed. The rhizome is more vulnerable when kept in a pot and can still freeze, so it must be protected. When planted in the ground, covering with mulch or wrapping it using a reed basket filled with old leaves is an option.

During summer, this large-leaved plant requires a lot of water, and when that need is met, it can also be given plenty of fertilizer. The banana will respond gratefully and grow quickly. Heights of 5 meters (when wrapped in winter for maximum growth in spring) are not unusual. A rewarding grower in the garden with a tropical appearance.

Hardiness zone 6b (–20°C).