Abyssinian banana (Ensete ventricosum)
Abyssinian banana (Ensete ventricosum) is a conservatory or greenhouse grown type of plant that can grow 3m – 8m tall and 3m – 8m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Abyssinian banana (Ensete ventricosum).
This plant has several common names including: Abyssinian banana or Ethiopian banana.
This is a evergreen plant that takes 10-20 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: Abyssinian banana, Ethiopian banana
Scientific name: Ensete ventricosum
Plant type: Conservatory & Greenhouse
Habit: Tufted
Height: 3m – 8m
Spread: 3m – 8m
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: Architectural, City & Courtyard Gardens, Patio & Container Garden
Planting type: Wall-side Borders
Other characteristics: RHS Award of Garden Merit
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Abyssinian banana (Ensete ventricosum) – Rotational, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Other types of Ensete to consider:
See all Ensete
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Abyssinian banana (Ensete ventricosum), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Abyssinian banana (Ensete ventricosum) is a plant that prefers to grow in loam or sand.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Ensete ventricosum likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Abyssinian banana (Ensete ventricosum) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Abyssinian banana (Ensete ventricosum) – Daderot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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