Common name: Japanese Hardy Banana.

Despite it's common name Musa basjoo actually originates from China, although it has been grown throughout the Japanese islands for many centuries. It is a clumping species which produces pseudostems of 2-3m (7-10ft) in height with pendulous, light green leaves 0.9-1.2m (3-4ft) in length. Despite the introduction of many new banana species to cultivation, this is still widely regarded as the best species for cooler climates, growing unprotected in many cool temperate gardens. Although the leaves will suffer frost damage from relatively minor freezes and often die back to the ground, the plant will grow new stems the following year. The large leaves are very prone to wind damage and this plant will do best planted in a bright, sunny, but sheltered position. It is best to mulch well prior to winter to ensure survival of the root system, although in very cold climates, the plant can be protected by digging it up and storing it in a dark, cool, frost free place. Musa basjoo can be adapted to pot culture, although a well established plant will produce many stems and will require a suitably large pot.