Ensete Ventricosum 'Tandarra Red' (Red Banana)

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Position: full sun or partial shade
Soil: humus-rich soil (or loam-based potting compost - John Innes no. 3 for container-grown specimens)
Rate of growth: fast-growing Flowering period: June to August Flower colour: white (insignificant)
Other features: the white summer flowers are concealed within bronze-red bracts
Hardiness: tender (will need winter protection)
Primarily grown for its decorative foliage, this is a marvellous plant that has only just been introduced to the UK. It has waxy, paddle-like green leaves that are heavily flushed with reddish-purple towards the leaf margins. A spectacular specimen plant for an exotic-style garden in a frost-free area, where temperatures fall below 7°C (45°F) it's best grown in a large temperate greenhouse, shaded from hot sun.Garden care: During the growing season water regularly and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser each month. In frost-prone areas lift outdoor specimens before the first frosts, reducing the top-growth to the newest 2 or 3 leaves and cutting back the long roots. Overwinter under glass in a frost-free greenhouse until all risk of frost has passed

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