- Article number: MUCHICHI01
Musa chini champa is a hardy garden banana. Alongside the very hardy Musa basjoo and Musa Helen's Hybrid, the Chini Champa is often mentioned as one of the most cold-hardy banana varieties. This plant originates from Bhutan and is accustomed to the climate of this mountainous Himalayan country.
Musa chini champa is a herbaceous perennial with a sturdy pseudostem formed by the tightly layered bases of its large leaves. The inflorescence of this species appears as a dark red flower that later produces edible fruits. The species grows best in soil that retains moisture well and in a location with plenty of space.
This banana is hardy but will still need protection during winter. The leaves can be cut off to prevent damage and to reduce the plant’s need for water. During this period, the Chini Champa should not dry out completely, but it is also important that it does not remain too wet. When temperatures rise again, the plant will start growing once more and can reach heights of up to about 5 meters under the right conditions.
Hardiness zone 7a (−15°C).