Red Abyssinian Banana Tree Ensete Ventricosum

QUICK SPECS OUTDOOR Zone 9b-11 PATIO Zone 4a-11 SOIL TYPE Rich Moist % SUN 80-100% POT SIZE 7″ Deep INCLUDES One Plant ABOUT THIS BANANA TREE Red Abyssinian Banana Tree, This massive banana whose trunk can reach three feet in diameter is a real botanical curiosity. It is unbelievably fast growing and has carmine red undersides to the ribs of its huge leaves. It can be used as a summer bedding plant in cooler climates, otherwise plant it straight into the ground, and stand back. Its just amazing! These are very healthy tropical plants with well established root systems. The growth rate, and fruiting potential of Red Abyssinian will vary greatly depending on soil type, sunlight, temperature and other factors. Lower leaves are often trimmed prior to shipping to reduce transpiration and travel stress. BANANA TREE CARE Red Abyssinian are very easy to grow tropical fruiting plants that require little care. They add a wonderful accent to any outdoor space, tropical garden or patio. In very cold zones containerized banana trees can be brought inside for the winter months. Most will survive a very light frost and quickly return to normal in spring. In the northern end of their grow zone Red Abyssinian plants should be brought indoors or protected with mulch during the winter months. When you receive your new banana tree, there is no need to worry about planting right away. Your new plant can be stored for a while by simply placing it in a bucket with about a half inch of water in the bottom and moving it to a shady location. You can then add some mulch to the bucket to keep your plant standing upright. The mulch will also supply nutrients while in storage. This will give you plenty of time to select the ideal location for your new banana tree. CONTAINER SIZE Banana trees grow very well in patio containers. Allow enough room for growth generally a 18″ to a 24″ diameter, 12″ deep container will suffice to get started. Remember the looser the roots, the taller and healthier your plant will be. When the plant becomes root bound its growth will slow. At that point it is time for a much larger pot. SOIL Red Abyssinian banana trees enjoy well drained but moist, rich organic mix. Remember try to stay away from wet, mucky or dry, sandy soils. FERTILIZER To help establish your new Red Abyssinian banana tree, fertilize sparingly at least 6 inches away from the base, tri-annually with a slow time release 15-5-10. Unfertilized they will tend to grow very slowly. Note: The heavy salts in cheaper fertilizers will damage the roots and possibly kill the plant. GROW ZONE & LIGHT Best outdoors if grown in zone 9-11, find your zone here. This Banana Tree requires 80-100% sunlight. Depending on your location full sun is best. In the northern end of their grow zone Red Abyssinian plants should be brought indoors or protected during the winter months. The patio zone is 4b-11 which means the potted plant will flourish over the summer months in colder zones but must be brought inside before frost. BEFORE YOU PLANT OUTDOORS Here at Kens Nursery these banana trees are grown under 20-40% shade cloth. If you plant directly in full sun you may experience leaf burn. It is best to acclimate this plant to its environment by keeping it outside and slowly moving it into a sunny area over a week or two to avoid stress before planting. WHAT IS THE SHIPPING SIZE All Red Abyssinian Banana Trees for sale will vary in size. In the spring, plants are often smaller than plants shipped in the fall. Plants designated with a sku ending in -4, or -3 will arrive in a standard 4 inch or 2.75 inch growers pot respectively. Kens new, reusable, recyclable deep cells are 5 to 7 inches deep and 1 to 2.5 inches in diameter. Products growing in these cells are easy to transplant and allow for deeper, faster growth and are designated with a -5, or -7. (Note: The item sku number can be found just below the buy button.) The color and style of these pots may vary. If we are out of a particular size item, we may ship a larger size at no additional charge. You can see the various pot sizes and actual plants ready to ship. (click-here) Note: Before leaving, Red Abyssinian Banana Trees are inspected, watered, pruned and topped to 36″ if necessary, to facilitate shipping. Your new bananas’ pot is then bagged to ensure that the soil stays in the pot and not loose in the box. Then your plant is tissue or kraft paper wrapped and secured in place with natural biodegradable peanuts. You will be pleased. You may want to buy Red Abyssinian online now while they are in stock.