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You can enjoy the lush foliage of the bananas in the UK by growing Musa basjoo. The plant can survive a UK winter unprotected if the weather is mild, however it is an expensive plant, so it is worth protecting it.
Size: 2 Litre potted plant
Position: mainly sunny, with a little midday shade
Soil: rich and fertile or loam based compost in pots
Rate of growth: average to fast
Flowers: white flowers in bronze/red bracts
Hardiness: half hardy - will need protection in winter
The leaves of this extraordinary plant resemble paddles, and each can grow up to 3 meters long. Yellowish-green fruits follow the flowers in summer. These are not edible, but look fantastic when incorporated into a jungle-style planting scheme. They can also be arranged in large pots for a dynamic feature.
Plant care: Despite the root's hardiness, you should apply a thick layer of mulch to protect it in autumn and cover the foliage with fleece or straw to protect it from the cold. In colder areas, or where the soil is heavy during the winter, they do best in pots, as they can be overwintered under glass.