AT A GLANCE
Which banana tree is hardy?
First of all: There is basically no banana tree that is really “hardy”, i.e. robust enough for the typical German winter. There are only two types that winter well packed outside can: the Japanese fiber banana Musa basjoo and the Darjeeling banana 'Red Tiger' (Musa sikkimensis).
How hardy is the Japanese fiber banana Musa basjoo?
Considered to be particularly robust Musa basjoo, the temperatures of up to minus 12°C tolerates - but only underground, because above ground the leaves freeze and other plant parts from minus three degrees Celsius. Hence a good winter protection essential, which starts at temperatures of approx. five degrees Celsius should be installed.
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In the pot Musa basjoo should be bright, but as cool and frost-free as possible at approx. ten degrees Celsius hibernate. In principle, you can also pack up the potted plant well and overwinter it outside in a place that is protected from wind and weather.
How hardy is the Darjeeling banana Musa sikkimensis?
This banana tree is native to northern India, where it grows at altitudes of up to 2000 meters. The style is something less hardy as Musa basjoo and tolerates only a few degrees below zero – these also only underground. Above ground, the plant draws the juice from all the leaves in autumn, so that these dry up and need to be cut off. Also here is one good winter protection essential.
In the pot hibernate Keep Musa sikkimensis as frost-free and bright as possible at temperatures of around ten degrees Celsius.
Are there other hardy banana species?
All other banana varieties originate from the tropical regions this world and therefore need one all year round appropriate climate. So they are not hardy and therefore should be do not overwinter outside – not even with winter protection. This is not enough, since temperatures of less than ten degrees Celsius are problematic for most species.
Tip
Why does the banana tree rot after winter?
Typically, hardy banana trees that have wintered outside will rot after winter. This is caused by too much moisture, for example because it was watered too much or because the winter was too wet. Cut away the rotten parts of the plant as much as possible. If the rhizomes have remained intact, the plant will sprout again later in the spring.
