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GoldPianoGarden
08-13-2011, 04:26 PM
I recently purchased a Thai Ensete Superbum (or so it was named by the seller)... I had given up growing Ensetes after being unable to keep all my Ensete maurelii standing up (got too big to stay standing during tropical storms, etc., and nothing I would try roping them with or to would hold), BUT I ended up buying this new creature. I was wondering if anyone could tell me any growing specifics for it, and especially info regarding its performance during cold/cold tolerance.... Thanks everyone!

Barry
Brunswick, GA (zone 9)

natej740
08-13-2011, 04:54 PM
Cant help you out with info...but heres a cool thread about superbum and what to expect...

http://www.bananas.org/f16/ensete-superbum-seeds-labeled-ensete-perrieri-6887.html

varig8
08-14-2011, 06:14 PM
This rare ornamental banana is indigenous to northern India and the higher elevations of Thailand. Its bright green leaves may reach 8' with a width of nearly 2' with a short petiole. This Ensete may reach 10' - 12' in height while its trunk is nearly 6' tall with an enormous swollen base of 7" - 8" in circumference at the base, narrowing to 3" below the leaves. Flowering begins with a one foot wide globose inflorescence, later drooping and elongating to 2' in length and 1" bracts which are laden with a huge quantity of 1" flowers. The numerous small fruits are 1 1/2" x 3" with a triangular shape and swollen with seeds. This plant is hardy to 30 F. If left out in cold regions it must be mulched to keep from freezing.

cherokee_greg
08-14-2011, 06:22 PM
Thats somthing you all are talking about this plant. I found this picture the other day and thought how cool this plant is if its the same one you all are talking about here is the picture

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=45100 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=45054&ppuser=5959)

Michael_Andrew
08-15-2011, 08:39 PM
I have a couple in their third year. Have stayed a lot smaller than my Maurelli. I bring them in and put them in a room that doesn't get a lot of heat in the winter. Probably doesn't get less than 50 degrees. Give them some a little water and put back out in the spring. First year they overwintered great. This year I almost lost one. I think due to being too afraid of over watering.

<a href=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=45127&ppuser=3593><img src=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=45127&size=1 border=0></a>

Jeff
08-16-2011, 02:58 PM
Hi Barry,

The photo in post #4 might be a little deceiving regarding the size of this plant. Grown in a pot they stay much smaller but when planted in the ground they can get HUGE!

My plants thrive on heat and lots of water, other than that I don't give them any care. They have not been fertilized since they were planted. Sorry I can't help you with cold hardiness.

This particular plant (photos taken today) has leaves 10-12 ft long and the base of the plant is about 4 ft across. It's a monster plant! It was planted on 5/28/08 and still has not flowered.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=45135&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=45135&ppuser=43)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=45136&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=45136&ppuser=43)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=45134&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=45134)