Ensete Banana

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

8-10 Feet

Mature Spread

8-10 Feet

Growing Zones

4-11 patio / 8-11 outdoors

Big, bold, and instantly tropical, Ensete Banana turns patios, poolscapes, and entry beds into lush retreats. Massive paddle leaves unfurl from a stout, architectural trunk, creating dramatic height and movement in a single season. Grow it as a statement container plant on the deck, a centerpiece in mixed borders, or an annual tropical accent in cooler climates—either way, it delivers resort vibes fast.

Ensete Banana Care

Give Ensete bright conditions—full sun to bright partial sun with at least six hours of light daily. Plant in rich, well-drained soil amended with compost and keep the root zone consistently moist but never waterlogged; deep, regular watering during hot spells drives lush growth. It’s a hungry plant, so mix in a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting, then supplement every 2–4 weeks in spring and summer with a diluted liquid feed.

Protect from strong winds to limit leaf tearing, and trim away yellowed or tattered leaves cleanly at the base to keep the plant tidy.

Ensete is frost tender (generally suited to Zones 9–11). In colder regions, grow it in a large container you can bring indoors before nights drop below about 45–50°F, or dig the plant in fall and store it cool, dark, and dry with minimal water.

Resume watering and bright light in spring as growth restarts. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal, and a 2–3 inch mulch layer helps conserve moisture—keep mulch a few inches off the trunk.

Ensete Banana Spacing

In warm climates, in-ground plants can reach 6–12 ft tall and 4–8 ft wide in one season. Allow 5–8 ft of clearance from walls, walkways, and neighboring plants for leaf spread and airflow; for dramatic groupings, space 6–8 ft on center.

In containers, start with a sturdy 18–24"+ diameter pot with excellent drainage and position planters 2–3 ft apart for access and to prevent leaf scuffing.

Why Grow Ensete Banana?

• Instant tropical impact with huge, architectural leaves

• Fast growth for quick results in beds or large containers

• Thrives in sun with consistent moisture and rich soil

• Stunning focal point for patios, pools, and entry gardens

• Can be overwintered indoors or stored dormant in cold climates

A rapid-growing, resort-style centerpiece, Ensete Banana brings bold foliage and vacation energy to any sunny spot—plant it for instant drama and a lush, tropical look all season.

SKU:

EDB-BAN-ENS-LGL