Red banana

Ensete ventricosum 'Tandarra Red'

Red banana - Ensete ventricosum 'Tandarra Red'

Common Name: Red banana
Genus: Ensete
Species: ventricosum
Cultivar: 'Tandarra Red'

Category: Non Hardy Perennials

Height: 6.00 m (600 cm)
Spread: 5.00 m (500 cm)

Hardiness: Tender
Growth Rate: Fast growing
Flowering Period: June to August
Long Flowering Period
Foliage Type: Deciduous
Foliage Colour: Green, Purple, Red
Flower Colour: White
Sun/Shade: Full sun or Partial shade
Soil Type: Normal/Loam
Soil Moisture: Moist, but well drained
Features: Has interesting foliage, Suitable for growing in containers

  • Other features: the white summer flowers are concealed within bronze-red bracts


Primarily grown for its decorative foliage this is a marvellous plant that has only just been introduced to the UK. It has waxy paddle-like green leaves that are heavily flushed with reddish-purple towards the leaf margins. A spectacular specimen plant for an exotic-style garden in a frost-free area where temperatures fall below 7°C (45°F) it's best grown in a large temperate greenhouse shaded from hot sun.

  • Garden care: During the growing season water regularly and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser each month. In frost-prone areas lift outdoor specimens before the first frosts reducing the top-growth to the newest 2 or 3 leaves and cutting back the long roots. Overwinter under glass in a frost-free greenhouse until all risk of frost has passed.