About Musella Lasiocarpa
Musella lasiocarpa is a great plant for a tropical effect in cooler climate zones. It is not a true banana, but a banana relative, and has a smaller, shrub-like form. It can produce a large, lotus-shaped, waxy yellow flower that will remain in bloom for six months.
The Chinese yellow banana is endemic to the Yunnan province of China, and it grows in mountains up to 2500 meters in altitude. Its flower is known as the Golden Lotus Flower, a sacred flower in local Buddhism.
It will eventually form a large clump, up to 15 feet in diameter and 5 feet high.
Hardiness
The Chinese yellow banana is considered root-hardy to zone 6. Plants resist light frost but die back at 28° F.
Winter Protection
Cut back leaves after soon after light frost damage occurs. Spray the root crown with a fungicide to prevent fungal rot during the winter. Use heavy mulch around the root crown to protect from freezing. Gradually remove the mulch in late winter-early spring as the risk of a hard freeze passes.
Growing Tips
Grow in full sun to partial shade. Musella lasiocarpa prefers even moisture throughout the growing season. Leaves may be shredded or dried out in a windy location; pick a site with some wind protection.
