Need Help.. Tree I.D./Winter Storage
 

We have been growing banana trees for about 7 years now. Our friends gave us some small shoots to start out with, we passed on our babies to family and friends, and we now have a plantation of beautiful trees. The only problem is the winter storage of the trees. We have been cutting off the leaves, digging the trees up, wrapping in burlap, and storing in a dark place like under the house for winter. These are the instructions our friends gave us and have done well, but we have alot of trees now, and its alot of trouble digging up all the trees and storage space is becoming an issue too. We live in zone 7. I wanted to see if anyone knows what type trees these are, and if they need to be dug up every winter? I have about 40 trees to dig up and I'm looking for alternative solutions. Thanks.... Brian
I'm going to try and attach files from my gallery. 1st Time..
Banana Gallery - Mystery Banana Tree
Banana Gallery - Mystery Banana Tree

Re: Need Help.. Tree I.D./Winter Storage
 

That seems to be a Dwarf Orinoco. It should be hardy to zone 7b bu tit will require protection. I personally have not overwintered one outside so someone else will have to chime in on that for you. Alternately look in the cold hardy forum, there is a ton of good information there. There is a good chance that the main stems of the plant will be lost over the winter if left out, but if it is well mulched the corm will send up new shoots in the spring.

Re: Need Help.. Tree I.D./Winter Storage
 

Yeah, I'm no expert, but it looks kinda Dwarf Orinoco-y to me!

Re: Need Help.. Tree I.D./Winter Storage
 

Thank You... I'll research the Dwarf Orinoco forums.

Re: Need Help.. Tree I.D./Winter Storage
 

They are definitely an 'Orinoco', but I think they are the tall. The heights can vary greatly depending on growing conditions, but the dwarf is really a very small, compact plant. Yours looks to have the normal proportions of a tall, just shorter. Also, based on the bunch size you can tell it is not to its full potential.

Re: Need Help.. Tree I.D./Winter Storage
 

Hey Brian, and welcome to the best forum going!!! Georgetown, TN, huh?? Well, what a coincidence!!!! I live right down the road from you in Cleveland... Been growing a few things here in Cleveland myself for several years now. It is always nice to find and meet other tropical fans that live near by. As a matter of fact, there are several of us that live within an hour of you. If and when you have time, you can take a look at what I have going on at my place here:

Pictures by randy4ut - Photobucket

Most of my pictures are located in subfolders listed on the lefthand side of the main page.

Not sure what you have growing at your place besides bananas, but there are many other tropical looking plants that compliment them that you can grow along side them. By looking at your pics, your place looks awesome!!! We need to get together next summer and maybe do some trading or at least changing of ideas...
As far as your bananas go, I too, believe they are orinocos, which with some extra mulch, and a mild winter, will come back from the corm. Pstems will be lost, so maximum growth will not be acheived. There are many other altenatives that you can grow without having to dig them every year as long as you are just looking for foliage. There are also many ornamental bananas that are simply beautiful that you can leave out as long as you have about 4" of good mulch over the mat...
Sometime when you can, touch base with me and I may be able to help with acquiring some of the alternatives if you are interested. You are welcome to pm me for more info on how to contact me or come by!!!
Randy4ut

Re: Need Help.. Tree I.D./Winter Storage
 

Welcome, Brian. I would love to see more pics of your 40 banana trees. Stick with Randy...he'll show you the ropes!

Re: Need Help.. Tree I.D./Winter Storage
 

Hi Brian, I live just down the road from you in Cleveland. I left a couple of orinoco's out last winter to see if they would overwinter without protection, and they all bit the dust. They might come back with some protection, there's only one way to find out. Nice to have you aboard.