Davetron

Hi,
I want to buy some banana plants for my patio area. I live in Zone 7 (Southeast part of Virginia). To start off, I am thinking ornamental plants until I get comfortable with working with banana plants. I have no objections to putting them in large pots if necessary and can protect them from freezing temperatures. Also, I would like a plant that is fairly easy to grow and is resistant to my mistakes.
I could use some recommendations for types of plants. I have never grown them before but would like to.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Regards,
Dave

bencelest

I would recommend Raja Puri for beginners because it is very easy to grow, very hardy, can take a lot of abuse , don't grow too tall (mine flowered at 3 1//2 feet on a wine barrel). And cheap to buy.

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Banana Nut

Bob

Davetron I would guess south east Va. is zone 7B. If your willing to grow in large pots that you could overwinter in a garage or othe spot that doesn't freeze Raja Puri as mentioned would be good, Dwarf orinoco, Ca. Gold if you can find one. Musa Sikkimensis Darjeeling giant has done well for me in a pot this year and is a very nice looking plant. Check out the "putting the bananas to sleep for the winter" thread. That should give you some ideas of your own. The cold hardy bananas section as well as the wiki are also great resources for you.

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bencelest

I have all 3 Bob mentioned and doing great in my neck of the woods.

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Banana Nut

LilRaverBoi

I would try some of the dwarf species...they're great for containers: dwarf cavendish, dwarf orinoco, super dwarf cavendish, dwarf nam wah, Siam Ruby stay fairly small for ornamentals, maybe try musella lasiocarpa, musa velutina, etc. Hope that helps!

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austinl01

Edible: Dwarf Orinoco and Raja puri
Non-edible: Musa basjoo, velutina/dasycarpa, sikkimensis, and musella lasiocarpa

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Austin
Arkansas River Valley

Average January Low: 31°F, Average August High: 92°F
Extreme Winter Lows: 5-15°F, Extreme Summer Highs: 100-112°F, Annual Precipitation: 52 inches

Davetron

Thanks to all of you for your responses and help.
Now to find some!

Dave

saltydad

Dwarf Cavendish does real well in a container for me here in Maryland; it goes inside for the winter of course. :-)

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Eric

Welcome aboard, Dave ! With just a little time & reading, shouldn't be hard at all to find just the nanner plant you're looking for. I've been growing quite a few types in Oklahoma zone totally successfully for 3 years now. Very healthy zone for nanners.
People here are very friendly, helpful, & informative.
If ya have any questions about using the forum, just ask.
Best of luck & enjoy!

Personally, I think Velutina & Ruby Siam are awesome ornamental types (real colorful) & my Siams are doing sensationally here!

cherokee_greg

im still learning myself but a big welcome from California here

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Greg zone 9 Fresno,CA
http://gardenjot.com/garden/view/1980/Gregs-Banana-Farm