Fall Plant Sale Preview 2019: Pink Banana

Pink banana fruit.
Photos by Jason Holmes (L) and Paul Jones (R).

By Jason Holmes
Curator, Doris Duke Center Gardens

Photo by Jason Holmes.

One of my absolute favorites among the hardy bananas is the pink banana. From northeastern India, Musa velutina forms a stunning clump of large leaves that reach to 8 feet high. A spike of flowers develops atop the pseudostems, and by midsummer the spike of flowers becomes a mass of attractive bright pink, downy bananas.

The word “velutina” translates to “velvety.”  These bananas are very small and seedy, and I imagine that they would not provide a substantial source of calories. In November, the bananas burst open to reveal a white interior that from a distance appears as if they are flowering again.

The pink banana thrives in our heat and humidity and does well with good moisture and lots of sun or even a high canopy of trees.

Though Musa velutina is hardy to zone 7b, it may be best to protect it with a pile of leaves during the winter.

The pink banana is a true hardy tropical for the summer landscape and will leave many gardeners asking, “What’s that?”

Botanical Name: Musa velutina
Common Name: Pink banana
Family Name: Musaceae (Banana Family)
Native Range: Northeastern India
USDA Hardiness Zones:  7b-11
Locations within Duke Gardens: Doris Duke Center Gardens, Culberson Asiatic Arboretum
Site Requirements: Sun to dappled shade; well-drained but moist soils. Winter protection best.

FALL PLANT SALE DETAILS:
Date: Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019
Time: 8 a.m.-noon
Member benefits: Duke Gardens members get 10% off all purchases, plus access to the members-only previews sale and dinner from 5-7 p.m. on Sept. 27, and a full list of plants in advance, plus staff recommendations. Join online or on site.
Parking: Free.
Pets not permitted. Please see Duke Gardens' pets policy here.
Wagons + boxes: Our supply is limited; please bring your own if possible, and you'll have more time to spend gathering beautiful plants.
Your support helps Duke Gardens to provide summer internships to aspiring horticulturists from across the nation.
Please see our event page for more information, and we'd love for you to spread the word by sharing the event on Facebook and inviting your friends.
Thank you!