Red Abyssinian Banana | Striking Red Foliage Banana

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Red Abyssinian Banana

Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii'

A fast-growing, cold-tender giant with spectacular giant red-bronze leaves for instant tropical drama.

$69.00

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Description

The Red Abyssinian Banana is a breathtaking, fast-growing tropical giant prized for its colossal and vividly colored foliage. Its enormous, paddle-shaped leaves are a dramatic deep burgundy-red to bronze, often with a contrasting bright green midrib, creating a stunning visual impact. Unlike true bananas, it does not produce edible fruit but forms a massive, upright pseudostem from the spirally arranged leaf bases. This plant is the ultimate choice for creating an instant, dramatic tropical focal point in large containers or sheltered landscape beds during the warm season.

Spectacular Burgundy-Red Foliage: Features huge, elongated leaves in a rich, dark red-bronze hue, providing intense color.
Extremely Fast-Growing: With ample heat and water, it can grow from a small plant to over 10 feet tall in a single season.
Architectural Tree-Like Form: Develops a thick, upright pseudostem that resembles a tree trunk, topped with a fountain of colorful leaves.
Tender Perennial (Cold Sensitive): Thrives in heat but is severely damaged by frost. Best grown as a seasonal annual or in containers that can be moved indoors in winter.
Makes a Dramatic Statement: Unmatched for adding instant height, scale, and vibrant tropical drama to patios, poolscapes, or large entryways.

Quick Facts

Processed facts

Light: Full sun to partial shade

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Features:Foliage: Massive oblong leaves (6-10 ft long) with waxy green blades flushed burgundy-red,Petioles: Striking red leaf stalks forming dramatic pseudostem,Flowers: Insignificant white blooms (rare in cultivation),Growth Habit: Upright, fountain-like tropical specimen
Mature Height: 15-20 ft (in tropical climates)
Mature Width: 10-15 ft
Growth Rate: Fast (can grow 2 ft/month in peak season)
Key Advantages:Dramatic tropical focal point,Fast-growing architectural plant,Deer resistant,Pest resistant
Special Considerations:Not a true banana (inedible fruit),Wind protection required,Requires winter protection below 50°F (10°C)
Container Culture:Grows 6-8 ft tall in large pots,Excellent patio specimen,Overwinter indoors

Faqs

Q: Can I grow it indoors over winter?
A: Yes, but it is challenging due to its large size and need for very bright light. Before frost, you can cut it back heavily, dig up the rhizome (corm), and store it dry, dark, and cool (45-50°F / 7-10°C) like a dahlia tuber. Alternatively, if you have a very bright, warm greenhouse or conservatory, you can keep it growing in a large pot, though it will likely go semi-dormant with reduced light.

Q: Does it produce edible bananas?
A: No. Ensete is the genus for ornamental "Abyssinian" bananas. They flower but do not produce the fleshy, edible fruit associated with the Musa genus (common banana plants). Its value is purely ornamental.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

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San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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