bigdog

Well, you can add Randy's Musa velutina to that list, Brian, but not my M. velutina, lol. We have two different forms, his being much taller than mine.

With a bit of extra mulch, M. 'Royal Purple' survived last winter (low here of 8F at my house, 12F at the Knoxville airport). It should be noted, however, that it hasn't grown very well this year at all for whatever reason, and is still quite small and slow-growing.

Musa cheesmani survived with a trash bag of leaves thrown over the top of it, as well as some extra mulch. It is now growing at a decent pace, but my acid soils make the leaves a bit deformed.

I have a 'Tall Orinoco' against the west side of the house that not only survived, but came back very strong.

I have quite a few others being tested here this year as well. Hopefully I'll have something exciting to add to the list.

I would like to ask you some questions about a few Musas on your website, Brian. First, Musa beccarii won't even survive in zone 8 Alabama, so how is it reliable in zone 7? It is the first banana to die back to the ground in Orlando, FL, and does so when temps get down into the low 40s/high 30s.
Second, I don't think the plant you are selling as Musa "textilus" is the real Musa textilis. How did you come about that ID? The plant I got from you is nice and strong though.
Third, what is Musa Bordeline? Is it somehow similar to Musa Bordelon?

Sorry for all the questions. I tried PM'ing you some time back, but I guess you have been very busy. Thanks,

Frank