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Cold Hardy Banana Tree

$13995 $24995
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Your Plants are Guaranteed to Grow

Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 1 Year Warranty. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If your tree arrives damaged or dies within 30 days, we'll replace it for free. If it dies after 30 days, but before 1 year, we will replace it for just 50% of the current price.

Free Shipping on All Orders

Relax... we've got you covered with free shipping on every order! We ship out so many huge plants, we've negotiated a low rate with our carriers... and we pass those savings on to you! Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!

Is Now a Good Time to Plant?

Yes! Fall is one of the best times to plant!

Landscaping experts often recommend planting in fall instead of waiting until spring. Here’s why:

  • Cooler weather puts less stress on newly planted trees and shrubs.
  • Fall soil is still warm, which helps roots grow and get established.
  • Cooler temperatures mean less water is lost through the leaves, making it easier for plants to stay hydrated.
  • Even after top growth slows for winter, roots continue developing below ground.
  • Fall weather often brings more rain and less heat, making new plants easier to care for.
  • By spring, your plants already have a head start. Their established roots can support strong new leaves, branches, and flowers.
  • Trees planted in spring must establish their roots while also dealing with rising temperatures and summer heat.

Plant this fall, and your trees can spend the cooler months getting settled instead of waiting until spring to get started!

Planting your Cold Hardy Banana Tree

Planting Instructions for Cold Hardy Banana Tree (Musa basjoo)

  1. Site Selection and Soil Preparation:
  • Location: Choose a sunny location, as banana trees need full sun (6-8 hours per day) to thrive. They also prefer a sheltered spot, protected from strong winds that can shred the large leaves.
  • Soil: Cold Hardy Banana Trees prefer well-draining, fertile soil. If your soil is heavy clay or drains poorly, amend it with organic matter like compost to improve aeration and drainage. Ideal soil pH is between 5.5 and 7.0.
  • Digging: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and about as deep as the root ball, slightly mounding the soil at the bottom of the hole. This helps to prevent water from collecting around the roots, which could lead to root rot.
  1. Planting:
  • Place the banana tree in the center of the hole, making sure that the top of the root ball is slightly higher than the surrounding soil level. This prevents the plant from sinking as the soil settles.
  • Backfill the hole with the amended soil, pressing gently to eliminate air pockets but not compacting the soil too tightly.
  • Water thoroughly to settle the soil, ensuring deep hydration around the roots.
  • Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to help conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Care Instructions

  1. Watering: Banana trees are water-loving plants, so ensure consistent moisture, especially during the first year of establishment. Water deeply 1-2 times per week or more during hot, dry periods. However, avoid waterlogging the soil, as they are sensitive to standing water.
  2. Fertilizing: Fertilize regularly during the growing season. Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer to encourage vigorous growth. Organic fertilizers like compost or manure also work well, providing a slow release of nutrients. You can also supplement with potassium to encourage fruiting.
  3. Monitoring: Watch for signs of stress, such as yellowing leaves, which could indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies. Additionally, monitor for pests such as aphids, spider mites, or banana weevils.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

  1. Pruning: Cold Hardy Banana Trees do not require heavy pruning. Simply remove any dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking tidy. After fruiting, the main stalk dies back, so prune it down to the ground, allowing new shoots (called “pups”) to take over.
  2. Pest and Disease Control: Bananas are generally pest-resistant, but aphids, mites, and weevils may appear. Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed. Keep an eye out for fungal diseases like leaf spot or root rot; avoid overwatering and provide good airflow around the plant to prevent these issues.
  3. Cold Protection:
  • Cold Hardy Banana Trees can tolerate temperatures as low as 0°F, but the foliage will die back after the first frost. Mulch heavily around the base in the fall to protect the roots from extreme cold.
  • In colder climates (USDA zones 5-7), cut the plant back to ground level after the first frost and heavily mulch (8-12 inches) to insulate the root ball. New growth will emerge in spring.
What Customers say about the Cold Hardy Banana Tree:

The Cold Hardy Banana Tree thrives in Zones 5-11

Growing Zones for the Cold Hardy Banana Tree

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Cold Hardy Banana Tree.

Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 5-11
Mature Height 10-15 ft.
Mature Width 10-15 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR
Sunlight Full Sun
Botanical Name Musa basjoo

Plants that Make a Difference

For 20+ years, our team has shipped healthy, established plants to gardeners like you- all across the country. Every plant is selected and cared for by our plant experts before it ships to your door.

  • 20+ Years Experience

  • Superior Quality

  • Free Shipping on All Orders

  • Guaranteed to Grow

Outdoor cluster of banana plants with large green leaves growing on a manicured lawn near a walkway.

Beware- not all Cold Hardy Banana Trees are the same.

Be sure to get superior banana trees, grown by experts.

Better Roots Make Stronger Plants: Some nurseries send you "bare root" banana trees to save on shipping. Even worse, others have started digging them right out of the ground before shipping. This causes major transplant shock and long-term damage. We send you Cold Hardy Banana Trees in soil-filled containers- ensuring a well-developed root system that will explode with growth!

Healthy Plants: We've seen other nurseries grow tall banana trees in tiny pots to save on shipping. This leads to a "root bound" tree, where the roots have outgrown their pot- they cannot absorb water and nutrients. They quickly dry out during shipment, leading to an unhealthy tree.

Cluster of cold-hardy banana plants with large green leaves in a sunny garden setting.

The Cold Hardy Banana brings a lush tropical look to gardens far north of the tropics- huge leaves, fast growth and tough roots.

  • Survives down to -10°F with the roots mulched, then regrows each spring
  • Fast grower: can reach 10-12 ft. in a single season in ideal conditions
  • Huge leaves up to 4 ft. long for a bold tropical focal point
  • Grown outdoors in zones 5-11 as an ornamental (it does not produce edible bananas)

Not all plants are created equal

The Difference Is in the Roots

Every plant we ship has grown in a nursery container with its roots protected, so it arrives healthy, established and ready to thrive in your yard.

A full, branched Nationwide Plants tree in a nursery pot next to a thin bare-root tree with exposed roots Ours: container grown Theirs: bare root
Nationwide Plants Other Nurseries
How it's grown Grown in a nursery container, roots protected the whole time Pulled or dug from the field, tearing fragile roots
How it arrives Arrives in its pot with soil intact Arrives bare root, exposed and drying out
Before shipping Growing naturally until it ships Held dormant in a cooler, then shocked by a hot shipping box
Root health Strong, well-developed roots with room to grow Crammed into a small pot until it's root bound
Height Measured from the top of the soil Often includes the pot and roots
After planting Settles in quickly with less transplant shock Arrives stressed and can take years to recover, if it does

The height you see is the height you plant.

We measure every plant from the top of the soil, not the bottom of the pot. Many nurseries include the pot and roots, so a "5–6 ft." tree from them might stand only 4 ft. tall once it's planted.

Comparisons reflect common practices across the online plant industry, not any single company.

Honest Measurements: Some nurseries measure trees including the pot and roots, so their "4-5 ft." tree may only be about half that size when planted. We measure all of our plants from the soil line, so the height you see is what you can expect after planting.

From our nursery to your door

How We Ship Your Plants

Every order is hand-selected, watered and carefully packed so it arrives healthy and ready to plant. Here's what happens after you place your order.

  1. Hand-Picked for You

    Our team selects the best plant available for your order. For privacy trees, that's the tallest and fullest. For fruit trees, it's the best branched.

    Why it matters: Many online nurseries ship whatever is next in the row.

  2. A Deep Drink Before the Trip

    Every plant gets a thorough watering right before it's packed, so it starts the journey fully hydrated.

  3. Roots Sealed In

    We wrap the pot and roots in plastic to lock in moisture, so your plant has water to drink all the way to your door.

    Why it matters: Bare-root plants are often shipped with their roots exposed and drying out.

  4. Braced for the Ride

    Cardboard inserts are secured inside every box to hold your plant in place, so it won't slide, tip or get damaged in transit.

  5. Shipped Only by FedEx

    We ship your trees exclusively with FedEx. We've found they deliver the fastest and handle live plants the most gently.

And if anything goes wrong, every plant is backed by our 1 Year Warranty.

Healthy Roots Make a Huge Difference

  • Never buy bare-root plants. These trees are starved of nutrients, and have a low survival rate.
  • Beware of nurseries cut corners by growing in small pots. These "rootbound" plants are weak, struggle to absorb nutrients, and die quickly after planting.
  • Some nurseries try to sell oversized plants, but chop off vital roots so they can cram the rootball into a narrow box to save on shipping!

You Want Cold Hardy Banana Trees Grown by Experts

Some nurseries ship thin, weak banana plants grown in tiny pots to save money. These "root bound" plants struggle after planting and take longer to put on lush, tropical growth.

Nationwide Plants only sends you strong Cold Hardy Banana Trees, selected and cared for by our plant experts, with healthy, developed root systems. That means they settle in quickly and grow into a big tropical showpiece sooner.

Read more about the Cold Hardy Banana Tree

Cold Hardy Banana Tree – Bring the Tropics to Your Backyard, Even in Winter!

Ever dream of transforming your backyard into a tropical paradise, even if you live in cooler climates? With the Cold Hardy Banana Tree, also known as the Basjoo Banana, you can create that lush, exotic feel no matter where you are. Whether it’s lounging by the pool or adding an eye-catching accent to your garden, this tree delivers year-round tropical vibes.

Why Choose the Cold Hardy Banana Tree?

The Cold Hardy Banana Tree is perfect for those looking to add a dramatic tropical touch to their landscape without worrying about frosty temperatures.

  • Winter Tough: This banana tree thrives in temperatures as low as -10°F when properly mulched, making it an ideal choice for gardeners as far north as Minnesota or New England.
  • Lush, Vibrant Leaves: The large, striking green leaves reach up to 4 feet in length, giving any garden or patio that unmistakable tropical feel.
  • Fast Grower: Expect rapid growth – up to 12 feet in a single season under ideal conditions! This banana tree isn’t just an ornamental plant, it’s a statement piece.
  • Non-Fruiting Beauty: While the Cold Hardy Banana Tree doesn’t produce edible bananas, its vibrant foliage makes it the perfect backdrop for any outdoor oasis.

A Frost-Defying Tropical Showstopper

Whether you're in a mild or cool climate, the Cold Hardy Banana Tree brings the beauty of the tropics straight to your backyard. Its cold-resistant nature and easy care make it the perfect solution for anyone wanting to add a bit of paradise, even in frosty regions.

  • Perfect for Zones 5-11: This versatile tree can grow in almost any part of the country, from the warm coasts of California to the snowy landscapes of the Midwest.
  • Container-Friendly: If you live in a colder zone, no problem! Plant your Cold Hardy Banana in a container and move it indoors when temperatures dip. With a container-friendly size of 10-15 feet, it's a fantastic choice for patios or indoor spaces too.

Simple Care, Maximum Impact

Worried about plant maintenance? Don’t be! The Cold Hardy Banana Tree is surprisingly low maintenance, making it perfect for both seasoned gardeners and beginners alike.

  1. Planting: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball, place the tree, and water thoroughly. If planting in a container, use a pot with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix.

  2. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the hot summer months, water more frequently. In the winter, reduce watering as the tree goes dormant.

  3. Fertilizing: Feed your tree monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. The Cold Hardy Banana loves a good meal and will reward you with lush, fast-growing leaves.

  4. Winterizing: In zones 5-7, cut the tree back to about a foot after the first frost and mulch heavily around the base. This insulation protects the roots from freezing temperatures, ensuring your banana tree comes back strong the following spring.

    Why Cut It Back?

    1. Cold Protection: Freezing temperatures often damage the leaves and stalks. Cutting it back prevents the plant from expending energy on damaged parts.
    2. Healthy Growth: Removing dead or damaged foliage encourages new, healthy growth in the spring.
    3. Maintenance: It helps keep the tree tidy and manageable in size.

    How to Cut It Back:

    1. Wait Until After Frost: After the first hard frost, when the leaves have turned brown and died back, it's the right time to prune.
    2. Cut to the Ground or Near It: Use sharp, clean tools to cut the stalks down to about 6 inches above ground level.
    3. Add Mulch: Cover the base with a thick layer of mulch, straw, or leaves to insulate the roots during the winter.

    Come spring, the tree will regrow from its base or corm, quickly reaching its impressive size again!

     

Why Buy from Nationwide Plants, LLC?

At Nationwide Plants, LLC, we’re committed to offering only the healthiest and most robust plants, so you can confidently transform your outdoor space. With our Cold Hardy Banana Trees, you’ll enjoy:

  • Fast Growth, Right From the Start: Our trees are nurtured and prepped for rapid growth, giving you the best results in your first growing season.
  • Tropical Looks, Cold-Climate Toughness: Whether you’re in a warm zone or somewhere cooler, this banana tree will bring a tropical vibe to your space without the hassle.
  • A Perfect Fit for Tight Spaces: With a maximum height of 10 to 15 feet, you can plant the Cold Hardy Banana Tree in smaller gardens..

Create Your Own Tropical Oasis

Ready to make your garden or patio feel like a tropical escape? The Cold Hardy Banana Tree is your perfect companion. Fast-growing, easy to maintain, and resilient in cold climates, it’s the ultimate plant to transform your space into a lush, tropical paradise.

Tropical Beauty, !

The Cold Hardy Banana Tree is a tropical delight that thrives even in cooler climates! This low-maintenance, fast-growing tree brings a lush, exotic feel to your garden while producing sweet, delicious bananas. Perfect for gardeners looking to add a unique and productive plant to their landscape, this tree is both resilient and eye-catching. There's no better time to bring a touch of the tropics to your home—order your Cold Hardy Banana Tree today!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Cold Hardy Banana Tree

How tall does a Cold Hardy Banana Tree get?

A Cold Hardy Banana Tree (Musa basjoo) typically grows 10 to 15 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide. Its huge, bright green leaves can reach up to 4 feet long, creating a bold tropical look. Give it enough room to spread, and plant it where the leaves are sheltered from strong wind, which can shred them.

What is the lowest temperature a Cold Hardy Banana Tree can survive?

The Cold Hardy Banana Tree can survive temperatures as low as -10 degrees F when its roots are properly mulched. The leaves and stem usually die back after frost, but the underground roots survive and send up new growth in spring. That is why it is grown outdoors in USDA zones 5 through 11.

How do I protect a Cold Hardy Banana Tree in winter?

After frost kills the leaves, cut the stem back to a foot or two above the ground and cover the base with a thick layer of mulch, such as shredded leaves or straw. This insulates the roots through winter. Remove the mulch in spring after the danger of hard frost has passed, and new shoots will emerge.

Does the Cold Hardy Banana Tree produce edible bananas?

No, the Cold Hardy Banana Tree is grown as an ornamental and does not produce edible bananas. Its value is its lush, oversized foliage and fast tropical look. If you want homegrown fruit, choose a fruiting variety such as a Dwarf Cavendish, which is better suited to warm climates or container growing indoors.

How fast does a Cold Hardy Banana Tree grow?

The Cold Hardy Banana Tree grows very fast and can reach 10 to 12 feet tall in a single season under ideal conditions. Warm weather, full sun, consistent moisture, and regular feeding all speed its growth. Even after dying back in winter, it quickly regrows each summer into an eye-catching focal point.

How much sun does a Cold Hardy Banana Tree need?

The Cold Hardy Banana Tree needs full sun, ideally 6 to 8 hours of direct light each day. A sunny spot sheltered from strong winds is best, since wind can tear the large leaves. Planting near a wall, fence, or building can provide both wind protection and extra warmth during cooler weather.

How often should I water a Cold Hardy Banana Tree?

Water a Cold Hardy Banana Tree deeply 1 to 2 times per week, and more often during hot, dry weather. Banana plants love consistent moisture, especially in their first year. Avoid soggy, waterlogged soil, though, because the roots are sensitive to standing water. Mulch around the base to hold moisture in summer.

What fertilizer is best for a Cold Hardy Banana Tree?

Feed a Cold Hardy Banana Tree with a high-nitrogen fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during spring and summer to support its fast, leafy growth. Compost or well-aged manure also work well as slow-release options. Stop fertilizing in late summer so the plant can slow down before cold weather arrives.

Can I grow a Cold Hardy Banana Tree in a container?

Yes, the Cold Hardy Banana Tree can be grown in a large container with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix. In colder areas, move the pot into a garage or other protected space when temperatures drop. Container plants dry out faster, so check moisture often during summer and water thoroughly.

Does the Cold Hardy Banana Tree spread or produce pups?

Yes, the Cold Hardy Banana Tree produces new shoots called pups around its base, slowly forming a clump over time. You can leave them to create a fuller planting or dig and replant them elsewhere. When a main stalk dies back, cut it to the ground and let the pups take over.
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