I really like the ornamentals too, Steve. In particular, the hardy ones are the most appealing to me, living in zone 7a. There isn't a lot of information out there about the hardiness of a lot of ornamentals, so I hope to provide a little bit. I hope my 'African Red' turns out to be hardy...I sure do like it. Musa beccarii certainly has a beautiful flower, but if it won't live through the winter here then I'm not interested. Musa coccinea is a really nice one. M. mannii is hardy, but takes a long time to flower in zone 7. Mine was just sending up an inflorescence when frost hit
. Oh well, maybe when the corm gets some more size to it, then it'll flower in one season.
I have an Ae Ae, struggling to live through the winter in the garage. It'll make it, but it looks pretty rough right now. Can't wait for Spring!! Guess I'll have to though...