Musa sikkimensis Banana Plant / Banana Tree (syn. M. hookeri)
An essential Exotic banana plant for your tropical garden! An excellent edition to the exotic border being a strong and vigorous plant from Sikkim in the monsoon areas of the Himalayas.
It has tougher and has more upright leaves than Musa basjoo banana plant and not quite as hardy, though it is far more resistant to shredding winds, so excellent for more open gardens.
Musa sikkimensis ‘Red Tiger’ Overview
Musa Sikkimensis growing in the UK
The leaves are rich dark green, shiny and often flushed with ruby red tints especially when young, though it usually reverts to plain green with age; the undersides of the leaves are flushed maroon.
It is suitable for large containers or growing in the border with winter protection.
Common Name: Himalaya banana plant
Latin Name: Musa sikkimensis syn. M. hookeri
Tenderness Rating: Semi- hardy, sun or dappled shade
Ease of growing: Easy
Position: Full sun to dappled shade
Soil Condition: Fertile well drained soil
Musa sikkimensis Care, propagating and position
Can be grown from root division or seed. It tolerates most growing conditions though prefers a sheltered position on fertile soil. Musa sikkimensis syn. M. hookeri is a form with more pronounced markings that are streaked with dark purple on the upper surface and a reddish purple below, making it an excellent choice.
Other great banana trees or banana plants to grow and buy in the UK are of course the Musa Basjoo, Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’ – Red Abyssinian Ethiopian banana, Musa lasiocarpa, Musa Sikkimensis and Musa Acuminata Dwarf Cavendish.
- How to overwinter banana plants through the winter months
- GROW GUIDE: How to grow banana plants
- What Should I Plant with Musa Basjoo?
- Can you grow a banana plant indoors?
- Can you grow banana fruit in a UK garden?
If you don’t see it amongst the other Musa, it may not be in stock at the moment. Check back soon. Musa sikkimensis is for sale online not all months of the year, so keep an eye out!
Musa sikkimensis ‘Red Tiger’ for sale by UK sellers below.
Other types of banana trees / banana plants you can buy and grow in the UK
Musa sikkimensis ‘Red Tiger’ – A Striking, Cold-Tolerant Banana Plant for UK Gardens
Musa sikkimensis, commonly known as the Darjeeling Banana, is a captivating banana plant native to the Eastern Himalayas. Its stunning foliage and ability to tolerate cooler temperatures make it a popular choice among UK gardeners seeking to create an exotic, tropical atmosphere in their gardens.
Among the Musa sikkimensis cultivars, the ‘Red Tiger’ variety stands out for its striking appearance. In this article, we will delve into the characteristics, cultivation, and care of the Musa sikkimensis ‘Red Tiger’ for UK gardens.
Origins and Characteristics
The Musa sikkimensis ‘Red Tiger’ is a cultivar of Musa sikkimensis, featuring large, paddle-shaped leaves with a unique pattern of green and maroon stripes. The plant can grow up to 3-4 metres in height, with its most notable feature being the prominent red midribs on the leaves. The ‘Red Tiger’ cultivar is a delightful addition to any tropical-themed garden, and its cold tolerance makes it suitable for the UK climate.
Cultivation and Care
To ensure the successful growth of Musa sikkimensis ‘Red Tiger’ in UK gardens, follow these care tips:
- Soil: Plant your Musa sikkimensis ‘Red Tiger’ in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH level of 6.0 to 6.5. Incorporating organic matter such as compost can improve soil fertility and drainage.
- Light: Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and vibrant colouration. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but full sun is ideal.
- Water: Maintain consistent moisture by watering regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
- Fertilisation: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser during the growing season (spring through summer) to support growth and colouration.
- Winter Care: Although Musa sikkimensis ‘Red Tiger’ is relatively cold-tolerant, it is crucial to protect it from frost. Mulch the base of the plant with straw or dry leaves, and wrap the trunk in horticultural fleece during the winter months.
Where to Buy Musa sikkimensis ‘Red Tiger’ in the UK
Musa sikkimensis ‘Red Tiger’ is available for purchase from various UK-based nurseries, garden centres, and online retailers. Look for Musa sikkimensis for sale UK or search for specific terms such as “tiger banana plant” or “red tiger banana” to find this captivating cultivar.
Landscape Use
The Musa sikkimensis ‘Red Tiger’ serves as an excellent focal point in any tropical or exotic garden, thanks to its striking appearance. Plant it alongside other tropical plants, or use it to add visual interest to mixed borders. You can also grow the ‘Red Tiger’ in large containers to create an eye-catching patio or poolside display.
Conclusion
The Musa sikkimensis ‘Red Tiger’ is a striking and cold-tolerant banana plant suitable for UK gardens. With its unique colouration and stunning foliage, it adds an exotic touch to any landscape. By following the cultivation tips outlined in this article, UK gardeners can successfully grow and enjoy the beauty of the Musa sikkimensis ‘Red Tiger’ in their gardens.
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