Musa 'African Red'...dwarf species?
 

My musa 'African Red' was acquired this Spring from the annual Leu Gardens plant sale in Orlando, FL as a 6 inch plant. Since then (late March), the main pseudostem has bloomed (at ~3 feet), and now two second generation pups are blooming at almost exactly the same height. I thought that this plant was supposed to be between 7-10' pseudostem height at bloom time, according to various sources. Apparently, mine didn't read these reports! Anyway, getting three blooms, with another one very likely, in one season from a 6 inch plant, is pretty gratifying. I just hope that it's hardy enough to stand our zone 7 winters.

Check out my member gallery for pictures of this plant.

Re: Musa 'African Red'...dwarf species?
 

Hey Bigdog-That is very gratifying. I have had several M. velutina plants that I raised from seeds planted last December that have also bloomed multiple stems this year. I have seen some of my ornamentals bloom at heights other than those advertised. Is you plant in the ground or in a container? Being planted in the ground in full sun seems to have a dwarfing effect on my ornamental bananas (but only a foot or 2 at most). Just out of curiosity, has your African Red set any fruit?

GATrops (Richard)

Re: Musa 'African Red'...dwarf species?
 

Richard, it's planted in the ground, full sun until 2:00pm or so, then shade. It has some unfertilized bananas on it now from the first flower.