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| Category: Tropical |
| Family: Musaceae (Bananas) |
| Origin: Ethiopia (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Red/Purple Foliage: Yes |
| Flower Color: Insignificant |
| Bloomtime: Not Significant |
| Height: 15-20 feet |
| Width: 10-15 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Seaside: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii' (Red Banana) - Ensete is native to Ethiopia and has long been a popular choice for creating tropical effects in ornamental plantings. The wine-red coloring of the top of the large, 10 to 12 foot long leaves and leaf stems combined with the 12 to 15 foot tall pseudo-trunk make this large tropical unique. A very valuable plant for high-density coastal gardens to separate houses that may be just a few feet apart. Plant in full sun to part shade in a wind-sheltered area such as courtyards, walled entry gardens, atriums and sheltered slots between buildings that it won't outgrow. Provide plenty of water throughout the growing season. In colder climates, it can be planted in large pots and sheltered indoors for the winter. It is cold hardy to about 25° F without damage. The genus has been named in honor of J. Maurel who first drew the attention of the French authorities in Ethiopia to the red-leaved "bananas" of that place. It has been noted that cultivation conditions can have quite profound effects on plant color and morphology. Our mother plants were originally from tissue culture. We discontinued actively growing this tropical plant in 2007 because it did not fit into our main product mix of sustainable plants for mediterranean climates.
This information about Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii' displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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