Jova

Hello folks... I've been growing musa basjoo here in zone 6a southern Indiana for 6 years now with outstanding results, and this year I planted 2 itinerans and 2 siam rubys outside, on the south side of my house, near my oldest basjoo clumps. From what I've read, the itinerans are pretty comparable to the basjoo's in cold tolerance, but what about the siam ruby? Has anyone been able to overwinter these in more temperate climates? Any suggestions? Winter is a ways off, but I'm just curious

saltydad

I haven't heard of any success in overwintering the Siam Ruby. I certainly haven't tried it, and I always have a few growing. If you try it, Jova, let us know.

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natej740

I wouldnt try it, my siam ruby got leaf damage at around 38*F last night. From what ive read on here people have tried to overwinter in Zones 7 and 8 with no success. But if you have some extra plants what the hell its always fun to try...

stumpy4700

I had no luck outside and have only had marginal luck potting them and bringing them in for the winter. This was my second winter with them and right now I would label them in critical condition. They definately need TLC. I have several pics in my albums from the last 2 years. I need to update from this winter though.

LilRaverBoi

Siam Ruby does best when it is 90+ F and humid. Beyond these conditions, it has seemed to flounder and do poorly in my experience. I highly doubt it would handle any sort of sub-freezing temperatures even with extensive protection. If you've got an extra, I encourage you to try, but honestly, I wouldn't get my hopes up.

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Dean W.

I'm in 8b and it died.

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Bob

My Siam Ruby suffered this past winter just being next to the window of my heated porch here in zone 6a. Some varieties thrive on high heat and are completely intolerant of the cold this is surely one of them. I wouldnt chance it.

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Basjoofriend

Siam Ruby is closely related to Musa acuminata ssp. zebrina and Dwarf Cavendish, is not hardy. I don't recommend to overwinter in zone 6a outside, even under basjoo winterprotection. It is better to overwinter as one pot plant in the house or in the wintergarden or in the heated greenhouse. Also it might not hardy in Germany, but in Brazil it might be completely hardy. Siam Ruby might be completely hardy in my new yard in Lucianópolis in Brazil, but it is very difficulty to get some plants of Siam Ruby to Brazil because of the restricts to import banana plants. Lucianópolis has zone 11.

I don't know one nursery in Brazil which is offering Siam Ruby.

Best wishes
Basjoofriend

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enigma99a

I didn't have good success in Zone 9B. It seems to like hot and humid all the time of the year.

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Average January Low: 40°F, Average August High: 95°F
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