Zone 8b Banana Ornamental ?
 

After digging up all the old shrubs around and next to the house, I have a place on the northeast corner that needs something tall and somewhat wide. I have my edible banana plants on the south side of my house for cold protection.

Many have said a Basjoo is not only cold hardy but is quite nice to look at so I was thinking about that or a maybe a Mekong Giant. I really don't care if these fruit or not since this is more for looks. This corner will see wind for sure. Any suggestions or comments?

I am open to any other plants suggestion as well.

Randy

Re: Zone 8b Banana Ornamental ?
 

If it's windy I wouldn't plant a giant next to the house

Re: Zone 8b Banana Ornamental ?
 

Tony it is not windy all of the time but most strong winds come from the north and the east. My highest wind this month was only 28.9 mph.

The Mekong then is not wind sturdy plant I take it.

Re: Zone 8b Banana Ornamental ?
 

My Bordelons look great this year! I would certainly plant a few of these.

Re: Zone 8b Banana Ornamental ?
 

I'm in 8b too, south Alabama.

If I could choose only one, it would be ice cream. It's big, fast growing, hardy and BEAUTIFUL. Mine is about to bloom, so I may actually get bananas this fall, so that's a plus.

Russell

Re: Zone 8b Banana Ornamental ?
 

Bordelon, that is interesting and might be just the right plant. I look in your gallery. You have really nice plants. Thanks for the idea.


Russell, I do have an ice cream on the south side of the house. How did you winter protect yours? I use to live in Alabama.

Randy

Re: Zone 8b Banana Ornamental ?
 

Randy, I don't do anything to protect it. Most of my bananas are under the canopy of a massive live oak, so that's it. Last winter it came through just fine, but the 2 before that killed it to the ground both years. So I started out this year with mature plants and I'm way ahead of the game. It looks pretty much like what you see in my gallery so no need to update the pictures!

Re: Zone 8b Banana Ornamental ?
 

Russell I really enjoyed looking at your pictures. I am at the top of zone 8b so I will have to have winter protection. I have to protect my citrus trees every year so I have a bit of know how going into winter protection that should apply to bananas.

Randy

Re: Zone 8b Banana Ornamental ?
 

Here's a shot of them this afternoon:

Re: Zone 8b Banana Ornamental ?
 

That is quite spectacular. Thanks so much for posting the picture. It looks like a perfect fit for the spot I picked out.

I read where it pups a lot. Does it get out of control if not tended?

Randy

Re: Zone 8b Banana Ornamental ?
 

I do very little tending. I will dig a clump every now and then for folks, but these look great in a mat as opposed to onesie twosies.

Re: Zone 8b Banana Ornamental ?
 

Randy, where are you? 8b covers a lot of territory.

My neighbors behind me have a beautiful mat of bordelon, but it's big. It also seems to appreciate more sun than I can give it. But then maybe in more shade it's not quite so aggressive.

Re: Zone 8b Banana Ornamental ?
 

I am in South Georgia.

Yes I think bordelon will be my choice. I will start a search for them around here and the internet.

Randy