Credit: David Robinson
Musa basjoo
Background and story
The Japanese Banana (Musa basjoo) is a large, herbaceous perennial native to southern China and widely cultivated in Japan, where it has long been used for fibre as well as for ornament.
It was introduced to Ireland and Britain in the 19th century, and has since become one of the most widely grown bananas outside tropical regions.
Despite its lush, tropical appearance, with large, paddle-shaped leaves and a strong upright form, it is notably more tolerant of cooler climates than most species.
Did you know?
Unlike most bananas, Musa basjoo can survive winter temperatures of around −10°C to −15°C when established and properly mulched, making it one of the few bananas that can be grown outdoors throughout much of Ireland and Britain.
Hardiness and conservation
The recorded RHS hardiness rating is H2, which means this plant can tolerate cool conditions, but not frost. In practice, it should be treated as frost-tender outdoors. The recorded USDA/PFAF hardiness value is 7-10, which is useful as a broad winter-temperature guide, but it should not be read as a direct substitute for the RHS rating. Local hardiness always depends on local shelter, drainage, winter wet, salt-laden wind and the plant’s age and establishment.
The IUCN Red List status recorded here is Least Concern (LC). This means it has been assessed as being at relatively low risk of extinction in the wild. The assessment year recorded in the plant data is 2022.
Additional notes for Ireland and Britain
In Ireland and Britain, Musa basjoo is one of the hardiest bananas available, with underground rhizomes capable of surviving temperatures well below freezing if protected with mulch. It thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil and sheltered positions, where it can produce dramatic foliage up to 2–4 metres tall in a single season. The above-ground stems are often damaged by frost but regrow each year, and while flowering and fruiting are rare in cooler climates, the plant remains highly valued for its visual impact. It is not considered threatened, and is widely cultivated worldwide. In Irish gardens, it provides one of the most reliable ways to create a bold, tropical effect with relatively low risk.
Notable features
- Although it produces small bananas in warm climates, the fruits are generally full of seeds and considered inedible. The plant's main attraction is its huge tropical-looking foliage.
- The apparent trunk is actually a pseudostem, made entirely from tightly wrapped leaf bases. The true stem remains underground as a rhizome.
- In Japan, the species was traditionally cultivated for its tough fibres, which were woven into textiles, ropes and paper, giving rise to the common name "Japanese Fibre Banana".
- In a good summer, individual leaves may exceed 2 metres in length, creating a dramatic tropical effect even though the plant is growing in a temperate climate. Wind often tears the leaves into strips, but this is a natural adaptation that helps reduce damage.
Earlscliffe notes
The banana (Musa basjoo) from the Ryukyu archipelago south of Japan is an easy plant to grow at Earlscliffe. First planted in 1972 it has survived even the hardest winters without protection . Its large soft leaves are easily damaged by the wind and it often looks miserable during the winter, spring and early summer months. It is at its best in the late summer, early autumn with its enormous leaves, unusual flowers and small clusters of tiny green, inedible fruit.
Where to see it in the garden
Tour Area ❺Gallery
Credit: David Foley