Red Leaved Banana
- Show-stopping, palm-like tropical accent with huge leaves and rich wine-red to bronze tones.
- Fast-growing focal point—quickly reaches 12–15 ft. tall and 8–10 ft. wide in warm climates.
- Perfect for large patio containers and poolside planting for instant “vacation” vibes.
- Semi-evergreen and evergreen in frost-free climates; protect from wind and frost for best results.
Red Leaved Banana (Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’) is a bold, palm-like tropical that instantly transforms patios and gardens into a lush retreat. Huge, broad leaves fan out from a single trunk, showing off dramatic burgundy foliage with wine-red and bronze tones and striking veins. This fast-growing statement plant can quickly reach 12 to 15 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide in warm climates, making it ideal as a single, high-impact accent in tropical-inspired landscapes. It’s also a superstar in large patio containers—especially near pools, courtyards, or sheltered entry gardens—where its dramatic form can be enjoyed up close. Give it sun to partial sun, keep soil evenly moist (not soggy), and provide protection from harsh winds and frost for the best-looking foliage.
Product Overview
- Botanical name: Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’
- Common name: Red Leaved Banana
- Plant type: Tropical accent plant with a single trunk
- USDA Zones: 10–11
- Light: Full sun to partial sun
- Size: 12–15 ft. tall, 8–10 ft. wide
Key Features
- Dramatic burgundy foliage with wine-red and bronze tones and bold venation.
- Palm-like form with huge leaves that create instant tropical impact.
- Fast growing and easy care when given warmth, moisture, and good drainage.
- Ideal for large containers, poolside plantings, and sheltered courtyards.
Size & Growth Habit
- Mature size: Quickly reaches 12–15 ft. tall and 8–10 ft. wide
- Growth rate: Fast
- Habit: Upright, single-trunk form
This is best used as a single “wow” plant. One placed well is more dramatic than several crowded together.
Foliage Color & Tropical Texture
- Foliage color: Burgundy with wine-red and bronze tones
- Leaf shape: Huge, broad leaves that fan from the trunk
- Signature look: Bold color with prominent venation
The leaves are the main attraction—pair with fine-textured plants (grasses or small-leaf shrubs) to make the color feel even richer.
Seasonal Habit
- Evergreen in frost-free climates: Yes
- Deciduous/evergreen category: Semi-evergreen
- Best look: Warm conditions with steady moisture
Light Requirements
- Best light: Full sun
- Also suitable for: Partial sun
More light typically supports faster growth and richer foliage color, especially during the warm season.
Watering
- Water needs: Keep soil moist, but not soggy
- Growing season: Water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil
- Tip: Containers dry faster—check moisture more often in summer
Soil & Planting Tips
Plant in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage helps keep roots healthy while you maintain steady moisture.
- Amend planting areas (or potting mix) with compost to boost organic content.
- Choose containers with drainage holes and avoid letting pots sit in standing water.
- Mulch lightly in-ground to help keep moisture consistent.
Feeding & Ongoing Care
- Fertilizer: Feed with a general-purpose fertilizer when new growth begins in spring
- Maintenance level: Easy care
- Best results: Warmth + moisture + good drainage
Wind & Frost Protection
- Wind: Shelter from harsh winds to prevent leaf tearing
- Frost: Protect from frost for best performance
- Placement tip: Courtyards, walled entry gardens, and sheltered slots between buildings work especially well
A protected spot keeps leaves looking pristine and helps the plant stay bold and architectural.
Container Growing (Patios & Balconies)
- Container friendly: Yes—excellent for large patio pots
- Great for: Courtyards, terraces, balconies, and pool decks
- Style tip: Use one large pot as a centerpiece for a tropical “resort” look
Overwintering Options (Cooler Climates)
In colder climates, Red Leaved Banana can be grown in a large container and moved to a sheltered indoor location for winter protection.
- Use a sturdy pot so the plant can be relocated as temperatures drop.
- Keep it protected from frost and harsh winds.
- Resume regular feeding when new growth begins in spring.
Landscape Uses & Design Ideas
- Landscape uses: Container, poolside
- Design style: Tropical-inspired gardens, Asian-themed spaces, coastal courtyards
- Design tip: Use as a single accent—too many can reduce its dramatic impact
Companion Plant Ideas
Pair Red Leaved Banana with bold, sun-loving tropical companions for a high-color summer look:
- Bougainvillea
- Princess flower (Tibouchina)
- Fatsia
- Plumbago
- Hibiscus
- Show-stopping, palm-like tropical accent with huge leaves and rich wine-red to bronze tones.
- Fast-growing focal point—quickly reaches 12–15 ft. tall and 8–10 ft. wide in warm climates.
- Perfect for large patio containers and poolside planting for instant “vacation” vibes.
- Semi-evergreen and evergreen in frost-free climates; protect from wind and frost for best results.
Red Leaved Banana (Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’) is a bold, palm-like tropical that instantly transforms patios and gardens into a lush retreat. Huge, broad leaves fan out from a single trunk, showing off dramatic burgundy foliage with wine-red and bronze tones and striking veins. This fast-growing statement plant can quickly reach 12 to 15 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide in warm climates, making it ideal as a single, high-impact accent in tropical-inspired landscapes. It’s also a superstar in large patio containers—especially near pools, courtyards, or sheltered entry gardens—where its dramatic form can be enjoyed up close. Give it sun to partial sun, keep soil evenly moist (not soggy), and provide protection from harsh winds and frost for the best-looking foliage.
Product Overview
- Botanical name: Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’
- Common name: Red Leaved Banana
- Plant type: Tropical accent plant with a single trunk
- USDA Zones: 10–11
- Light: Full sun to partial sun
- Size: 12–15 ft. tall, 8–10 ft. wide
Key Features
- Dramatic burgundy foliage with wine-red and bronze tones and bold venation.
- Palm-like form with huge leaves that create instant tropical impact.
- Fast growing and easy care when given warmth, moisture, and good drainage.
- Ideal for large containers, poolside plantings, and sheltered courtyards.
Size & Growth Habit
- Mature size: Quickly reaches 12–15 ft. tall and 8–10 ft. wide
- Growth rate: Fast
- Habit: Upright, single-trunk form
This is best used as a single “wow” plant. One placed well is more dramatic than several crowded together.
Foliage Color & Tropical Texture
- Foliage color: Burgundy with wine-red and bronze tones
- Leaf shape: Huge, broad leaves that fan from the trunk
- Signature look: Bold color with prominent venation
The leaves are the main attraction—pair with fine-textured plants (grasses or small-leaf shrubs) to make the color feel even richer.
Seasonal Habit
- Evergreen in frost-free climates: Yes
- Deciduous/evergreen category: Semi-evergreen
- Best look: Warm conditions with steady moisture
Light Requirements
- Best light: Full sun
- Also suitable for: Partial sun
More light typically supports faster growth and richer foliage color, especially during the warm season.
Watering
- Water needs: Keep soil moist, but not soggy
- Growing season: Water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil
- Tip: Containers dry faster—check moisture more often in summer
Soil & Planting Tips
Plant in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage helps keep roots healthy while you maintain steady moisture.
- Amend planting areas (or potting mix) with compost to boost organic content.
- Choose containers with drainage holes and avoid letting pots sit in standing water.
- Mulch lightly in-ground to help keep moisture consistent.
Feeding & Ongoing Care
- Fertilizer: Feed with a general-purpose fertilizer when new growth begins in spring
- Maintenance level: Easy care
- Best results: Warmth + moisture + good drainage
Wind & Frost Protection
- Wind: Shelter from harsh winds to prevent leaf tearing
- Frost: Protect from frost for best performance
- Placement tip: Courtyards, walled entry gardens, and sheltered slots between buildings work especially well
A protected spot keeps leaves looking pristine and helps the plant stay bold and architectural.
Container Growing (Patios & Balconies)
- Container friendly: Yes—excellent for large patio pots
- Great for: Courtyards, terraces, balconies, and pool decks
- Style tip: Use one large pot as a centerpiece for a tropical “resort” look
Overwintering Options (Cooler Climates)
In colder climates, Red Leaved Banana can be grown in a large container and moved to a sheltered indoor location for winter protection.
- Use a sturdy pot so the plant can be relocated as temperatures drop.
- Keep it protected from frost and harsh winds.
- Resume regular feeding when new growth begins in spring.
Landscape Uses & Design Ideas
- Landscape uses: Container, poolside
- Design style: Tropical-inspired gardens, Asian-themed spaces, coastal courtyards
- Design tip: Use as a single accent—too many can reduce its dramatic impact
Companion Plant Ideas
Pair Red Leaved Banana with bold, sun-loving tropical companions for a high-color summer look:
- Bougainvillea
- Princess flower (Tibouchina)
- Fatsia
- Plumbago
- Hibiscus