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Ensete Banana Tree

$11995 $21995
Height

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 Ensete Banana Tree

Ensete Banana (Ensete ventricosum) Planting Guide

1. Planting Instructions:

  • Location: The Ensete Banana thrives in full sun to partial shade. Choose a sunny spot with some afternoon shade if you’re in a very hot climate. Ensure the plant is sheltered from strong winds, as the large leaves are prone to tearing.
  • Soil Preparation: This plant prefers rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Loamy or sandy soils are ideal. Before planting, enrich the soil by mixing in compost or well-rotted manure to provide nutrients and improve drainage.
  • Digging the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Ensure that the hole is deep enough so the base of the plant will sit just above soil level, preventing water from pooling around the roots.
  • Planting: Place the Ensete Banana on a slight mound in the hole, so that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the ground. Backfill with soil, tamping it down gently to remove air pockets.
  • Mulching: Apply a thick layer (3-4 inches) of organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw, around the base. This will help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the stem to prevent rot.
  • Watering: Water deeply after planting to settle the soil around the roots. Maintain consistently moist soil during the first growing season, but avoid waterlogging.

2. Care Instructions (Establishment Period):

  • Watering: The Ensete Banana needs regular watering, especially in hot weather. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply about twice a week, more frequently during dry spells.
  • Fertilizing: This is a heavy feeder. During the growing season (spring to early fall), feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10) every 4-6 weeks. Alternatively, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer at the start of the season.
  • Monitoring: Keep an eye on the plant’s leaves for signs of stress, such as yellowing (which may indicate underwatering) or browning edges (often a sign of wind or sunburn). If pests like aphids or spider mites appear, treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

3. Maintenance and Long-Term Care:

  • Pruning: Trim off any dead or damaged leaves regularly to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage healthy new growth. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make cuts close to the stem.
  • Watering: Once established, the Ensete Banana is somewhat drought-tolerant but performs best with regular watering. In particularly dry periods, water deeply to keep the soil moist. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
  • Fertilizing: Continue regular feeding throughout the growing season. Stop fertilizing in late fall as the plant slows down its growth in cooler weather.
  • Winter Protection: In cooler climates (zones 9 and below), the Ensete Banana is not frost-tolerant and will need protection. Before the first frost, either move the plant indoors or cut it down to a few inches above the ground, then cover the base with a thick mulch layer to insulate it through winter.
  • Pests and Diseases: Watch out for aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. These can be managed with insecticidal soap. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases, particularly if growing in a humid climate.

Would you like an additional section on container/indoor planting? Or would you prefer some extra tips for growing the Ensete Banana?

What Customers say about the Ensete Banana Tree:

The Ensete Banana Tree thrives in Zones 4-11 patio / 8-11 outdoors

Growing Zones for the Ensete Banana Tree

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

Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 4-11 patio / 8-11 outdoors
Mature Height 8-10 ft.
Mature Width 8-10 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR
Sunlight Full Sun
Botanical Name Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii'

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

Ensete Banana - NationwidePlants.com

Beware- not all Ensete Banana Trees are the same.

Be sure to get superior tropical plants, grown by experts.

Better Roots Make Stronger Plants: Some nurseries send you "bare root" tropical plants 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 Ensete 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 tropical plants in tiny pots to save on shipping. This leads to a "root bound" plant, where the roots have outgrown their pot- they cannot absorb water and nutrients. They quickly dry out during shipment, leading to an unhealthy plant.

Ensete Banana - NationwidePlants.com

The Ensete Banana is grown for pure drama- enormous red-flushed leaves that turn any bed or patio into a tropical oasis.

  • Huge, paddle-shaped leaves flushed deep red to burgundy
  • Fast grower reaching about 8-10 ft. tall and wide in a single season
  • Ornamental only- no fruit cleanup
  • Grow it anywhere: outdoors in zones 8-11, or in a large container you bring in for winter

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 plants including the pot and roots, so their "3-4 ft." plant 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 Ensete Banana Trees Grown by Experts

Some nurseries ship small, weak banana plants grown in tiny pots to save money. These "root bound" plants struggle after planting and take much longer to fill out.

Nationwide Plants only sends you strong Ensete Banana Trees, selected and cared for by our plant experts, with healthy, developed root systems. That means it settles in quickly and starts unfurling its dramatic leaves sooner.

Read more about the Ensete Banana Tree

Ensete Banana

Bold, Tropical Beauty for Dramatic Landscaping

Bring a touch of the tropics to your garden with the Ensete Banana (Ensete ventricosum), a stunning ornamental banana plant that makes a bold statement in any landscape. Known for its large, striking leaves and fast-growing nature, the Ensete Banana is the perfect addition to gardens and patios looking for an exotic, lush feel. Unlike traditional banana plants, the Ensete is grown primarily for its dramatic foliage and structural beauty, adding a lush, tropical atmosphere to your outdoor space without the need for extensive care.

Impressive Tropical Foliage

The Ensete Banana is all about visual impact. Its enormous, paddle-shaped leaves can reach up to 10 feet in length, creating a lush canopy that instantly transforms your garden into a tropical oasis. The leaves have a deep green color with subtle red-tinged edges, adding an exotic flair to your landscape. With its upright, vase-like shape, the Ensete makes an excellent focal point for garden beds, patios, or container gardens.

While it doesn’t typically produce edible fruit, the Ensete Banana’s beauty is in its dramatic appearance. The plant’s fast-growing nature makes it a fantastic option for adding height and interest to your garden in a short amount of time.

Why Choose the Ensete Banana?

  • Tropical Appeal: The Ensete Banana’s enormous leaves and bold structure make it a showstopper in any garden. Its tropical vibe is perfect for creating a vacation-like atmosphere in your own backyard.
  • Fast Growth: If you're looking for a fast-growing plant that quickly fills out space, the Ensete Banana is an excellent choice. It can grow up to 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide within just a few seasons, providing impressive coverage.
  • Low Maintenance: Despite its exotic appearance, the Ensete Banana is surprisingly easy to care for. It’s hardy in USDA Zones 9-11, and can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors in cooler climates.
  • Versatile Use: Whether planted in the ground or grown in large containers, the Ensete Banana adds vertical interest and a touch of the tropics to your landscape or patio. In colder regions, it can be moved indoors during winter to protect it from frost.

Ideal Placement and Uses

  • Ornamental Gardens: Use the Ensete Banana as a striking centerpiece or accent in tropical-themed gardens. Its height and large leaves create an instant focal point.
  • Poolside Planting: This plant thrives in sunny, warm environments, making it perfect for poolside planting. The dramatic foliage will give your outdoor living space a luxurious, resort-like feel.
  • Container Gardening: The Ensete Banana can be grown in large containers, making it a great option for patios, decks, and balconies. In colder climates, simply bring it indoors when temperatures drop.
  • Mixed Borders: Pair the Ensete with other tropical plants like canna lilies, elephant ears, or palms for a lush, layered look.

Growing Tips

  • Light: The Ensete Banana thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade. Aim for 6-8 hours of sunlight per day for best results.
  • Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the growing season. The Ensete Banana prefers a well-drained, consistently moist environment.
  • Soil: Plant in rich, well-draining soil. Incorporate organic compost or mulch to improve soil quality and retain moisture.
  • Temperature: This tropical plant thrives in warm temperatures and is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11. In cooler climates, treat it as an annual or overwinter it indoors, keeping it in a sunny, warm spot.
  • Fertilization: Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer to encourage rapid growth and lush foliage.
  • Pruning: Regularly remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking its best.

Why Buy from Nationwide Plants?

When you purchase the Ensete Banana from Nationwide Plants, you’re investing in quality and service. We carefully nurture our plants so that they arrive healthy, vigorous, and ready to thrive in your landscape. Our benefits include:

  • Expertly grown plants with strong root systems, ensuring your Ensete Banana is ready to grow in your garden.
  • Fast, secure shipping to minimize stress on the plant during transit.
  • Detailed care instructions so you can enjoy the beauty of your plant for years to come.

Transform your outdoor space with the lush, tropical charm of the Ensete Banana. Whether you want to create a bold focal point or add height and texture to your garden, this ornamental banana plant delivers striking beauty with minimal care.

Order your Ensete Banana today and create your own tropical paradise at home!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Ensete Banana Tree

How big does an Ensete Banana get?

An Ensete Banana grows about 8 to 10 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide, with enormous paddle-shaped leaves that create a bold, tropical canopy. It is a fast grower, reaching an impressive size in a single season, which makes it a dramatic focal point in beds and large containers.

Does the Ensete Banana produce edible bananas?

No, the Ensete Banana is grown for its ornamental foliage, not for fruit. It does not produce edible bananas, which means no fruit cleanup. Its value is in the huge, dramatic red and green leaves that bring an exotic, tropical look to gardens and patios.

What color are Ensete Maurelii leaves?

Ensete Banana 'Maurelii' has large, paddle-shaped green leaves flushed with deep red to burgundy, especially along the edges, midribs, and stems. The rich coloring stands out against other greenery, making it one of the most striking ornamental bananas for tropical-style plantings.

How do you overwinter an Ensete Banana?

The Ensete Banana is not frost tolerant. Before the first frost, move container plants indoors to a bright spot, or cut in-ground plants down to a few inches above the ground and cover the base with a thick layer of mulch to insulate it through winter.

What zones can Ensete Banana grow in?

Ensete Banana can grow outdoors in USDA zones 8 through 11, though it needs frost protection in cooler parts of that range. In zones 4 through 11 it can be grown as a container patio plant that moves indoors for winter.

How much sun does an Ensete Banana need?

An Ensete Banana grows best in full sun, which produces the strongest growth and richest leaf color. In very hot climates, a spot with some afternoon shade helps prevent leaf burn. Choose a location sheltered from strong winds, since the large leaves tear easily.

How often should I water an Ensete Banana?

Water an Ensete Banana deeply about twice a week, more often during hot, dry spells, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once established it is somewhat drought tolerant, but regular watering keeps the leaves lush. Good drainage prevents root rot.

What fertilizer does an Ensete Banana need?

The Ensete Banana is a heavy feeder. Fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks from spring to early fall with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10, or apply a slow-release fertilizer at the start of the season. Stop feeding in late fall as growth slows.

Can you grow an Ensete Banana in a container?

Yes, an Ensete Banana can be grown in a large container, which makes it easy to move indoors for winter in cold climates. Use a big pot with drainage holes and rich, well-draining soil, and water and feed regularly, since container plants dry out and use nutrients quickly.

Can Ensete Banana ship to Arizona or Oregon?

No, the Ensete Banana cannot be shipped to Arizona or Oregon due to state plant shipping restrictions. For other states it is available as 2 to 3 foot and 3 to 4 foot plants or in a 5 gallon size, ready for a sunny, sheltered garden bed or container.
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