Banana plant

moragb1

I would love to buy a large banana plant. Anyone have any experience with them? What is the best type to buy in the uk? 
Do I have to bring indoors in winter? Best in pots or soil? Any issues? If so where is the best company to buy from? I saw them on an old Diarmund programme & loved them 
Thanks 

Hostafan1

Musa basjoo is the hardiest and quickest growing.
Widely available later in the year. Once established they can live outside if you live somewhere mild.

Fairygirl

You'll need to bring it in for winter, Morag 

moragb1

Thanks Hostafan1 & Fairygirl. Have you tried them?? I will put it in a large pot then, I have a lovely sheltered back garden. x

Hostafan1

I've got this one
https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/118143/i-Ensete-ventricosum-i-Maurelii/Details
It lives in my polytunnel over the winter, not wrapped up and has survived -7 in there, but I think was luck.

moragb1

Thanks Hostafan1  x definitely want one 

Hostafan1

Don't be put off by those who moan about them being "fussy" and needing winter care. 
You can get one for less than £10, they grow in pretty much any soil, they never , in my experience suffer with any pests or diseases, they don't need dead heading and even if you only have it for one season, they're well worth the money.
 
How long would £10 last in a pub / cinema/ supermarket? not 6 months, that's for sure.

Mine goes out into the garden about May, and comes in around November and between times has absolutely no attention from me. 

moragb1

Totally agree. £10 is a bargain for a fabulous plant xx thanks again

Hostafan1

  

Fairygirl

Hosta's give you all the info, Morag, so no need for any more input from me. I haven't had bananas, but have had Cannas, which need similar care.
They won't last the wet, cold winters here without some decent protection, but other than that, it should be fine, so get one, keep it in your nice pot, and enjoy 

Hostafan1

I've heard of folk who cut them back, roots and all and just stick them up the loft for the winter.