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Japanese Banana

Height: 10 feet
Spread: 6 feet
Sunlight: Full sun / Partial shade
Hardiness Zone: 5b

An exceptionally hardy variety that dies back in winter but will re-sprout from the roots in spring. Very fast growing, with bold tropical foliage that creates an exotic accent in the landscape or containers. Evergreen in warm temperate climates; cut back in mid-fall and mulch in colder regions.

Ornamental Features

Japanese Banana showcases enormous, glossy green oval leaves that deliver a lush tropical look all season. In mid-summer, it produces showy buttery yellow flowers with creamy white overtones above the foliage. Green fruits form in clusters from early to mid fall, adding further visual interest.

Landscape Attributes

This herbaceous tropical perennial has an upright, spreading habit and a bold, coarse texture that stands out in garden designs. It requires occasional maintenance and should only be cut back to remove dieback, as it does not respond well to pruning. It is generally free of significant negative characteristics.

Recommended Applications

- Accent plantings
- General garden use
- Container planting

Planting & Growing

Japanese Banana reaches about 10 feet tall with a spread of 6 feet at maturity, typically with a clearance of 3 feet from the ground. It grows quickly and, under ideal conditions, may live for up to 30 years. As a perennial, it dies back to the crown each winter and regrows vigorously each spring--take care not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may be hidden beneath the soil.

Bananas are unique botanically, with shoots arising from underground rhizomes. Each shoot matures within one to two years, then dies back after producing fruit, to be replaced by new shoots from the base. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers evenly moist, rich soils, though it will not tolerate standing water. It adapts to a range of soil pH levels and shows some tolerance to urban pollution. A thick mulch layer helps protect the roots in colder or exposed sites. This species is not native to North America.

Japanese Banana also excels in outdoor containers, where its upright habit and large leaves make a dramatic statement. It can be grown as a solitary feature or paired with smaller companion plants around its base. Container-grown specimens may require more frequent watering than those planted in the ground.