GoldPianoGarden

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

Cant help you out with info...but heres a cool thread about superbum and what to expect...

Ensete superbum (seeds labeled as Ensete perrieri)

varig8

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

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

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Greg zone 9 Fresno,CA
http://gardenjot.com/garden/view/1980/Gregs-Banana-Farm

Michael_Andrew

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.

Jeff

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.

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Jeff in Costa Rica