Banana 'Rojo'

Banana 'Rojo' is an ornamental banana plant known for its striking foliage and compact size. It is not grown for its fruit but for its vibrant leaves, which are a mix of deep burgundy, maroon, and green. The leaves are large and broad with a glossy texture, adding a tropical flair to gardens and landscapes. The plant may produce small, non-edible bananas under optimal conditions, but its primary appeal is its decorative foliage. This plant is perfect for container gardening or as a focal point in tropical-themed landscapes.

Plant Characteristics:

- Leaf Color: Deep burgundy, maroon, and green with a glossy finish

- Foliage: Large, broad leaves with a strong, upright growth habit

- Growth Habit: Clumping, upright perennial

Native Range:

The ornamental banana, including varieties like 'Rojo,' originates from Southeast Asia and India, where it naturally grows in tropical and subtropical climates.

USDA Hardiness Zones:

- Best suited for zones 9-11 as a perennial. In cooler zones, it is often grown as an annual or kept as a houseplant.

Height and Width:

- Height: 4-6 feet (120-180 cm)

- Width: 3-5 feet (90-150 cm)

Light Requirements:

- Prefers full sun to partial shade. It thrives in full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) but can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates where partial shade can prevent leaf scorching.

Soil Requirements:

- Thrives in rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0). Amending the soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, can enhance soil fertility and moisture retention.

- Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, which can occur in overly wet soils.

Watering:

- Requires consistent watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Regular watering is essential, especially in hot, dry climates, to maintain healthy, lush foliage.

- Water deeply and frequently during the growing season, reducing watering in the winter when the plant's growth slows down.

Temperature and Humidity:

- Prefers warm temperatures between 75-95°F (24-35°C). It is sensitive to cold and will suffer damage if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C).

- Thrives in high humidity environments, which mimic its natural tropical habitat. In drier climates, misting the leaves or using a humidity tray can help increase humidity around the plant.

Fertilization:

- Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season to support vigorous growth and vibrant foliage.

- Alternatively, use a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to provide steady nutrients throughout the growing season.

Pruning and Maintenance:

- Regularly remove any dead or damaged leaves to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage new growth.

- Pruning is generally not required for ornamental banana plants unless you are managing size or shaping the plant.

- In cooler climates, bring the plant indoors before the first frost, or treat it as an annual, replanting it each spring.

Propagation:

- Propagated primarily through division of the suckers or pups that grow at the base of the main plant. These can be separated and replanted to create new plants.

- Can also be grown from seeds, but this is less common and may not produce plants identical to the parent.

 Uses

- Ornamental Gardens: Ideal for adding a tropical look to garden beds, borders, and landscapes. It serves as a striking focal point with its bold, colorful foliage.

- Containers: Perfect for container gardening on patios, balconies, or indoors as a houseplant, where its vibrant foliage can be easily enjoyed.

- Tropical Gardens: A great addition to tropical-themed gardens, creating a lush, exotic atmosphere.

- Indoor Plant: Can be grown indoors in bright, indirect light conditions, adding a touch of the tropics to interior spaces.

- Shade Gardens: Works well in partially shaded areas where it can add color and texture without requiring full sun exposure.

By providing the appropriate care and growing conditions, the Banana 'Rojo' can thrive and serve as a beautiful ornamental addition to any garden or indoor space with its dramatic foliage and tropical appearance.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

California: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Juglans spp. (Walnut), Pinus spp. (Pine), Quercus spp. (Oak)  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. (Cherry, Peach, Plum). Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Cornus spp. (Dogwood), Quercus spp. (Oak), Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)  

Georgia: Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry)  

Hawaii: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Idaho: Humulus lupulus (Hops), Mentha spp. (Mint), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Indiana: Fragraria spp. (Strawberry), Rosa spp. (Rose)  

Kansas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Michigan: Abies spp. (Fir), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry)  

Montana: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Nevada: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

New Jersey: Rosa spp. (Rose)  

New York: Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Oregon: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Quercus spp. (Oak), Sambucus nigra (European Elderberry), Ulmus spp. (Elm), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Texas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Washington: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Wisconsin: Abies spp. (Fir), Pinus spp. (Pine), Picea spp. (Spruce), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.