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Blood Banana - 5 Gallon
SKU:
1879015
UPC:
541537913765
$69.99
- Striking tropical foliage: blue-green leaves dramatically mottled with deep blood-red markings.
- Fast-growing clumping banana that reaches about 6–8 ft. tall and wide for instant “jungle” impact.
- Showy summer flower clusters—yellow blooms with red‑purple bracts—and it may produce small, sweet bananas.
- Perfect for containers and poolside planting; frost-tender evergreen in warm climates.
Blood Banana (Musa acuminata ‘Zebrina’) is the ultimate tropical statement plant, prized for its exotic, lush look and unforgettable foliage. Each broad, blue‑green leaf is splashed with deep blood‑red mottling, creating dramatic color and texture from the moment it unfurls. This fast-growing, clumping banana quickly reaches 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, making it an ideal “instant jungle” backdrop for patios, pool areas, and tropical-style borders. In summer, large clusters of yellow flowers with red‑purple bracts add even more show—and in the right conditions, the plant may even bear small, sweet bananas. Give it sun to partial sun, consistently moist (not soggy) soil, and a sheltered spot to protect the big leaves from tearing in strong winds.
Product Overview
- Botanical name: Musa acuminata ‘Zebrina’
- Common name: Blood Banana
- Plant type: Tropical evergreen banana
- USDA Zones: 10–11
- Light: Full sun to partial sun
- Size: About 6–8 ft. tall and wide
Key Features
- Spectacular foliage with deep red mottling for instant tropical drama.
- Fast-growing clumping habit—lush impact without the scale of giant bananas.
- Showy summer blooms with colorful bracts; may produce small sweet bananas.
- Excellent in containers and striking near pools, patios, and water features.
Size & Growth Habit
- Mature size: Quickly reaches 6–8 ft. tall and wide
- Growth rate: Fast
- Habit: Clumping
Blood Banana is a bold “filler and backdrop” plant—perfect for turning an empty corner into a lush, tropical scene.
Foliage Color & Texture
- Leaf color: Blue-green
- Leaf markings: Deep blood-red mottling
- Overall look: Large, lush leaves with dramatic patterning
The foliage is the star—use it to contrast with fine-textured grasses or bright tropical blooms for maximum impact.
Flowers & Potential Fruit
- Bloom time: Summer
- Flower color: Yellow
- Bracts: Red-purple
- Fruit note: May bear small, sweet bananas
Light Requirements
- Best light: Full sun
- Also suitable for: Partial sun
- Hot-climate tip: Some protection from harsh afternoon sun can help in very hot regions
Watering
- Water needs: Keep soil moist, but not soggy
- Establishment: Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season
- Tip: Consistent moisture supports faster growth and fuller foliage
Soil & Planting Tips
Plant in humus-rich, evenly moist, well-drained soil for the best growth and leaf quality.
- Amend soil with compost to boost organic matter and moisture-holding ability.
- Use a large container with drainage holes if growing in a pot.
- Mulch helps keep moisture consistent and protects shallow roots from heat.
Wind Protection
- Why it matters: Large banana leaves can tear in strong winds
- Placement tip: Plant near a wall, fence, or sheltered patio location
A bit of shelter keeps the foliage looking its best and helps the plant stay lush and showy.
Feeding & Ongoing Care
- Fertilizer: Apply fertilizer when new growth begins in spring
- Maintenance level: Easy care with consistent moisture
- Best look: Remove damaged leaves as needed to keep the plant tidy
Where to Use It
- Landscape uses: Border, container, poolside
- Great for: Tropical flair, Asian-inspired gardens, water gardens, patio “jungle” accents
- Design tip: Use as a lush backdrop behind smaller flowering plants for layered depth
Companion Plant Ideas
Pair Blood Banana with bold, sun-loving tropical companions for a vibrant summer look:
- Crossvine (Bignonia)
- Mandevilla
- Plumbago
- Bougainvillea
- Hibiscus
- Fatsia
- Striking tropical foliage: blue-green leaves dramatically mottled with deep blood-red markings.
- Fast-growing clumping banana that reaches about 6–8 ft. tall and wide for instant “jungle” impact.
- Showy summer flower clusters—yellow blooms with red‑purple bracts—and it may produce small, sweet bananas.
- Perfect for containers and poolside planting; frost-tender evergreen in warm climates.
Blood Banana (Musa acuminata ‘Zebrina’) is the ultimate tropical statement plant, prized for its exotic, lush look and unforgettable foliage. Each broad, blue‑green leaf is splashed with deep blood‑red mottling, creating dramatic color and texture from the moment it unfurls. This fast-growing, clumping banana quickly reaches 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, making it an ideal “instant jungle” backdrop for patios, pool areas, and tropical-style borders. In summer, large clusters of yellow flowers with red‑purple bracts add even more show—and in the right conditions, the plant may even bear small, sweet bananas. Give it sun to partial sun, consistently moist (not soggy) soil, and a sheltered spot to protect the big leaves from tearing in strong winds.
Product Overview
- Botanical name: Musa acuminata ‘Zebrina’
- Common name: Blood Banana
- Plant type: Tropical evergreen banana
- USDA Zones: 10–11
- Light: Full sun to partial sun
- Size: About 6–8 ft. tall and wide
Key Features
- Spectacular foliage with deep red mottling for instant tropical drama.
- Fast-growing clumping habit—lush impact without the scale of giant bananas.
- Showy summer blooms with colorful bracts; may produce small sweet bananas.
- Excellent in containers and striking near pools, patios, and water features.
Size & Growth Habit
- Mature size: Quickly reaches 6–8 ft. tall and wide
- Growth rate: Fast
- Habit: Clumping
Blood Banana is a bold “filler and backdrop” plant—perfect for turning an empty corner into a lush, tropical scene.
Foliage Color & Texture
- Leaf color: Blue-green
- Leaf markings: Deep blood-red mottling
- Overall look: Large, lush leaves with dramatic patterning
The foliage is the star—use it to contrast with fine-textured grasses or bright tropical blooms for maximum impact.
Flowers & Potential Fruit
- Bloom time: Summer
- Flower color: Yellow
- Bracts: Red-purple
- Fruit note: May bear small, sweet bananas
Light Requirements
- Best light: Full sun
- Also suitable for: Partial sun
- Hot-climate tip: Some protection from harsh afternoon sun can help in very hot regions
Watering
- Water needs: Keep soil moist, but not soggy
- Establishment: Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season
- Tip: Consistent moisture supports faster growth and fuller foliage
Soil & Planting Tips
Plant in humus-rich, evenly moist, well-drained soil for the best growth and leaf quality.
- Amend soil with compost to boost organic matter and moisture-holding ability.
- Use a large container with drainage holes if growing in a pot.
- Mulch helps keep moisture consistent and protects shallow roots from heat.
Wind Protection
- Why it matters: Large banana leaves can tear in strong winds
- Placement tip: Plant near a wall, fence, or sheltered patio location
A bit of shelter keeps the foliage looking its best and helps the plant stay lush and showy.
Feeding & Ongoing Care
- Fertilizer: Apply fertilizer when new growth begins in spring
- Maintenance level: Easy care with consistent moisture
- Best look: Remove damaged leaves as needed to keep the plant tidy
Where to Use It
- Landscape uses: Border, container, poolside
- Great for: Tropical flair, Asian-inspired gardens, water gardens, patio “jungle” accents
- Design tip: Use as a lush backdrop behind smaller flowering plants for layered depth
Companion Plant Ideas
Pair Blood Banana with bold, sun-loving tropical companions for a vibrant summer look:
- Crossvine (Bignonia)
- Mandevilla
- Plumbago
- Bougainvillea
- Hibiscus
- Fatsia
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