Ensete Maurelii

Ensete maurelii (Red Abyssinian Banana) Growing Guide

Plant Description

Ensete maurelii, commonly known as the Red Abyssinian Banana, is a fast-growing, tropical ornamental plant prized for its large, paddle-shaped leaves with striking red-burgundy and green coloration. Unlike true bananas (Musa spp.), this plant does not produce edible fruit but adds a bold, exotic touch to landscapes. It is a non-suckering species, meaning it grows from a single trunk and does not form offsets.

Native Range

Originally from East Africa, particularly Ethiopia, Ensete maurelii thrives in tropical and subtropical climates.

Growing Zones

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9–11 (perennial outdoors)

• Grown as an annual or overwintered indoors in colder climates (Zones 4–8).

Size

• Height: 8 to 12 feet (can reach 15 feet in ideal conditions)

• Width: 5 to 8 feet

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun to partial shade (best color in full sun).

• Soil: Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content; pH 5.5–7.0.

• Watering: Regular, deep watering to keep soil moist but not soggy.

• Humidity: Prefers high humidity; can tolerate drier conditions with extra watering.

• Temperature: Thrives in warm temperatures (60–85°F); does not tolerate frost.

• Fertilizer: Heavy feeder; use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or 20-20-20) every 2 weeks during the growing season.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Remove damaged or dying leaves to maintain appearance.

• Cut back before overwintering indoors in cold climates.

Overwintering in Cooler Zones

• Container plants: Bring indoors and place in a bright, warm spot.

• In-ground plants: Can be dug up, cut back, and stored dormant in a cool, dark place.

Uses

• Tropical Landscapes: Creates a lush, exotic feel.

• Containers & Patio Gardens: Adds a dramatic focal point.

• Water Gardens & Ponds: Works well near water features.

• Seasonal Annual in Cold Climates: Adds a tropical touch in summer.

---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.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

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.