Ensete bananas, particularly Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’, also known as the Abyssinian banana, are prized for their striking, tropical appearance. With their large, deep red or green leaves, they bring an exotic flair to UK gardens. However, being native to tropical regions, Ensete bananas are not frost-hardy and require special care during the winter months to survive the UK’s cold, wet conditions. In this guide, we’ll look at how to protect and overwinter your Ensete banana plants so they can return strong and healthy the following spring.
Understanding Ensete Bananas
Unlike the more common Musa bananas, Ensete bananas are generally grown as ornamental plants in the UK. They are fast-growing and can reach impressive heights of 2-4 metres in just one season, with large, paddle-shaped leaves that provide dramatic foliage in gardens. However, they are highly sensitive to frost, so taking the right steps to protect them over winter is crucial.
There are two primary methods for overwintering Ensete bananas: bringing them indoors or lifting and storing them in a dormant state. The method you choose will depend on your available space and climate.
Method 1: Bringing Ensete Bananas Indoors for Winter
If you have the space, one of the easiest ways to overwinter your Ensete banana is to bring it indoors, where it can continue to grow in a frost-free environment. This method is ideal if you want the plant to stay in active growth during the winter.
Steps for Bringing Your Ensete Indoors:
- Choose a Suitable Space:
Ensete bananas can be kept indoors in a bright, frost-free area, such as a conservatory, greenhouse, or a heated room with plenty of natural light. Ideally, the temperature should stay above 10°C (50°F). They need plenty of light, so a south-facing window or bright room is best. - Reduce Watering:
While your Ensete banana is indoors, reduce the amount of water you give it. The plant will not grow as vigorously as in summer, so it won’t need as much water. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially if the temperatures are cooler indoors. - Humidity:
Ensete bananas thrive in humid environments. To maintain humidity, mist the leaves occasionally or place a tray of water nearby to help increase moisture in the air. - Fertilising:
Stop feeding the plant during the winter months. The Ensete will not need additional nutrients while its growth slows down in the reduced light of winter.
Advantages of Bringing It Indoors:
- The plant remains alive and continues growing (albeit slowly).
- You get to enjoy the plant’s beauty indoors through the winter.
- There is less risk of damage from frost or pests.
Method 2: Lifting and Storing Ensete Bananas Dormant
For gardeners without indoor space to house a large Ensete banana plant, the best option is to lift and store the plant in a dormant state over winter. This method mimics the plant’s natural dormancy cycle, allowing it to rest until the warmer spring months return.
Steps for Lifting and Storing Dormant:
- Cut Back the Foliage:
Before the first frost (usually in late autumn), cut back the leaves to about 15-30cm (6-12 inches) from the top of the stem. This reduces the plant’s size and makes it easier to handle while reducing water loss through the leaves. - Dig Up the Plant:
Carefully dig around the base of the plant, lifting it out of the ground with as much of the root system intact as possible. Be cautious not to damage the roots during this process. - Dry the Plant:
Shake off excess soil from the roots and allow the plant to dry out for a few days in a cool, dry location. This helps prevent rot during storage. - Wrap and Store:
Once dried, wrap the root ball in newspaper or hessian (burlap) to protect it, and place the plant in a cool, dark, frost-free location like a garage, shed, or cellar. The temperature should be between 5-10°C (41-50°F). Avoid storing it in a location that is too warm, as the plant needs to rest. - Check Periodically:
Throughout the winter, check on your stored Ensete banana. Ensure the root ball is not completely dried out or waterlogged. If it seems very dry, lightly mist the roots or soil to keep it slightly damp, but avoid soaking it.
Advantages of Dormant Storage:
- This method requires minimal space compared to bringing the plant indoors.
- The plant is protected from frost while in a state of dormancy.
- Less care is needed during the winter months as the plant isn’t actively growing.
Preparing for Spring
Once the risk of frost has passed, you can reintroduce your Ensete banana to the garden or pot it back up for the growing season. Here’s how to wake your plant up after winter:
- Replanting Outdoors:
- In spring (around April or May), gradually acclimate the plant to outdoor conditions by placing it outside during the day and bringing it indoors at night for a couple of weeks.
- Once the soil has warmed and the risk of frost has passed, replant your Ensete banana in its original position or in a new, sunny location in the garden.
- Watering and Feeding:
- After replanting, water the plant thoroughly and begin a regular feeding schedule with a balanced fertiliser to promote new growth.
- As the plant wakes up from dormancy, it will begin producing new leaves. Increase watering as needed as the weather warms and the plant grows more vigorously.
- Protection from Late Frosts:
- Even after replanting, keep an eye on the weather forecast for any late frosts in early spring. If frost is expected, cover the plant with horticultural fleece or bring it indoors temporarily.
General Tips for Caring for Ensete Bananas in the UK
- Mulching: Whether you’re overwintering in the ground or storing dormant, mulching around the base of outdoor bananas in autumn will help protect the roots from frost.
- Pot Cultivation: For added convenience, grow your Ensete banana in a large container during the growing season. This makes it easier to move indoors or to a sheltered location for the winter.
- Watch for Pests: Indoors or outdoors, keep an eye out for pests like spider mites or aphids, which can occasionally affect banana plants. Treat with insecticidal soap if necessary.
Conclusion
Ensete bananas add a stunning tropical touch to UK gardens, but they require protection from winter’s cold and frost. Whether you bring your Ensete banana indoors for continued growth or store it dormant in a cool, dry place, taking the right steps to overwinter your plant will ensure it returns healthy and strong for another growing season. With proper care, your Ensete banana can thrive year after year, offering bold foliage and a dramatic focal point for your garden.
