snow banana
Ensete ventricosum
RHS AGM 2002
USDA zones10 to 11
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size12 to 20 feet tall6 to 10 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Columnar
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Green, purple/lavender, red/burgundy
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
Garden uses
Notes
Snow banana (Ensete ventricosum) is a perennial for containers, specimen plantings, and accents. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 10 and warmer, down to about 30°F (-1°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist, sandy or loamy soil. Its columnar form grows fast and its green leaves can show purple and red tones. White flowers open from early to late summer.
Pairs well with Banana, Honey bush, African mask, and Citronella grass.
Native range
Africa, Burundi, and Northern Provinces.