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Red Abyssinian Banana Tree for Sale - Buying & Growing Guide

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Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’

Although the Red Abyssinian Banana Tree will not provide you with bananas, since it is not a true banana plant, it is the ideal plant to grow for anyone who wants to add a tropical look to their garden. Known botanically as Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii,’ the Red Abyssinian Banana Tree is a fast-growing plant with a set of impressive leaves that can be several feet long and often show off varying shades of red and green. 

  • This tree can grow either in the ground or in a container. 
  • The Red Abyssinian Banana Tree has large ornamental leaves with a tropical look. 
  • The impressive foliage of this plant holds striking shades of dark green and red.
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Plant Care

Sunlight

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The Red Abyssinian Banana Tree can grow in either full sunlight or partial shade.

Watering

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Water this plant at least once per week during the summer. Increase the watering rate during droughts and exceptionally hot weather.

Fertilizing

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Feed this plant monthly throughout the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer.

Planting and Care

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by John Haryasz | Horticulture Writer and Landscape Designer – last update on December 16, 2022

Planting instructions

Most gardeners throughout the United States will need to grow their Red Abyssinian Banana Tree in a container to allow for overwintering whenever the outdoor temperatures drop down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. If you belong to that group, you should plant your Red Abyssinian Banana Tree in a container that is considerably wider than the root ball and allows for excellent drainage. If you live in zone eight or warmer, you can grow this plant outdoors by planting it in a hole that is as deep as the root ball is tall and about twice as wide.

Watering and nutrients

After planting your Red Abyssinian Banana Tree, you’ll need to water it multiple times per week during the first few months of growth. Following the first growing season, you should water this plant about once per week during the summer, increasing that rate in the case of exceptionally hot and dry weather. It is often best to feed this plant once per month during the entire growing season. The fertilizer you use should have an equal balance of nutrients.

Pollination

Pollination is not something you’ll need to concern yourself with while caring for your Red Abyssinian Banana Tree for multiple reasons. First, although this plant has the word banana in its name, it is not a true banana tree and does not produce edible fruits. As such, you won’t need to worry about facilitating pollination for the sake of producing a harvest. Additionally, this plant does not produce flowers each year, which would allow for pollination to take place. Instead, this tree will bloom once at full maturity before dying back to the ground.

Pruning

Overall, your Red Abyssinian Banana Tree will not need a lot of pruning throughout its life. This plant consists of a main central stalk that carries several incredibly large leaves. Over time, you’ll notice that some of the older leaves on the plant will become damaged, wilted or entirely dead. When you notice this, simply use your pruning tools to remove the affected leaf by making a cut close to the main stem. Removing these spent leaves will keep your Red Abyssinian Banana Tree healthy and looking its best.

Pests, diseases and animals

There are a few pest issues that you should watch out for while caring for your Red Abyssinian Banana Tree. Some of the most common garden insects to harm this plant are mealybugs, aphids and spider mites, among others. Occasionally, this plant may also experience disease problems, including chlorosis and bacterial wilt. However, if you find a suitable growing location for your Red Abyssinian Banana Tree and give it the right care, you can dramatically lower the odds of an infection taking place.

Achieving maximum results

The impressive red hues that appear on the Red Abyssinian Banana Tree are the main source of this plant’s ornamental value. Typically, that red color will be bolder and more impressive when this plant grows in full sunlight rather than in partial shade. Additionally, anyone growing a Red Abyssinian Banana Tree should know that this plant requires ample amounts of water and fertilizer throughout its life. Keeping up with regular watering and feedings will keep this plant looking fantastic.

FAQs

Where does the Red Abyssinian Banana Tree come from?

Originally, the wild parent species of the Red Abyssinian Banana Tree, which goes by the scientific name Ensete ventricosum, came from the mountainous regions of eastern Africa. That range spans from modern-day South Africa all the way north to Ethiopia. That region often features high temperatures and high volumes of rainfall, which explains why the cultivated variety of this plant, known as the Red Abyssinian Banana Tree, grows best in those conditions.

How long does the Red Abyssinian Banana Tree live?

Unfortunately, the Red Abyssinian Banana Tree is not a plant that enjoys a long lifespan. Instead, this plant often lasts for around 5 to 10 years before it dies. This short lifespan will be the case even if you give this plant the ideal care. At the end of its life, the Red Abyssinian Banana Tree will flower for the first and only time. Shortly after flowering, this plant will not produce any new growth and will eventually die back to the ground.

What do the flowers of a Red Abyssinian Banana Tree look like?

The flower of a Red Abyssinian Banana Tree will appear only once during its life, but for many, it is worth the wait. The flowers of this plant are unlike most other common flowers in your garden. The Red Abyssinian Banana Tree flowers are large with a deep purple color. Each petal is relatively thick and has a waxy texture.

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Mature height
20-30 ft. (8-10 ft. in container)
Mature width
6-8 ft.
Sunlight requirement
Full-Partial
Growth rate
Fast
Botanical name
Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii'
Shipping exclusions
AZ
Grows Well In Zones
4-11 patio / 8-11 outdoors
map
Growing Zones: 4-11 patio / 8-11 outdoors i Growing zones help determine if a particular plant is likely to grow well in a location. It identifies the average annual minimum winter temperatures across the U.S. provided as a map by the USDA.
(hardy down to -10°F)

Red Abyssinian Banana Tree

Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’
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