honolua

Hi,
Anybody had luck growing a red banana in Pacific northwest, without heroic measures? By that, I mean has anybody found it sufficient to cut back a bit, wrap very well, and possibly heat with lights?
I would like to know as I might give it a try, but am too chicken without others.....I know, most will say: " not a chance in hell".....can't help but ask. I think someone on Vancouver Island had luck, but with heating cables etc..

snc

Im in zone 8 and have one, in NC though. it stayed in the ground last winter, no protection, no cutting back of leaves etc. and had 3 nights with temps in the mid-upper teens and a dusting of snow. growing well this year. few others around town at the shopping centers that have been in the ground 4-5 years now and doing really well

winsorw

I am in Auburn, WA. Last year I had two in a big pots and left them out during the freeze. They didn't do well:-) so I kept them in the non-heated garage. They recovered. In spring I put one in the ground and plan on cutting it back in December and may leave it in the ground.

enigma99a

When you had them out during the freeze did you provide protection?

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Average January Low: 40°F, Average August High: 95°F
Typical Low Each Winter: 28-30°F, Typical High Each Summer: 108-110°F, Annual Precipitation: 22 inches

mjdsinsacto

I'm in Sacramento, Zone 9 with 6 very young Ensete Maureliis (plus a Ventricosum and a Kru). Night time temps are beginning to dip below 50s--42 last Sunday night.

I made a simple DIY banana blanky last night:

1) two 55-gallon trash liners.
2) I cut open the sides and tops and laid them end to end;
3) taped them together
4) placed a U-haul moving pad on top
5) cut tiny openings in both at equal intervals along the perimeter
6) threaded bendable thingies that hold plants upright on stakes (sorry, forgot what they're called ); allowed enough length so that I can easily attach the "banana blanky" to something
7) the finished project is a "waterproof banana blanky" that I can cover my young bananas with;

I huddled my plants together in a fenced corner, and used the bendable thingies to attach the waterproof blanky nails on the fence. I hope to keep them warm and dry this way--until they grow too tall.

Anyway, I sleep better now knowing they're snug as bugs in their blanky.

damaclese

i live in zone 9 i leave my enset out side no covers but its vary dry here i would think in the north west winter rains would be the problim not the temps id cover them with a cover that exstends well beound the root ball so you can keep them dry

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