Blood Banana: Tropical Foliage with Red-Blotched Leaves

Musa zebrina (Blood Banana)

An oversize tender perennial, blood banana has large, fleshy, rubberlike leaves with dark markings—green with random reddish purple blotches. On mature plants, orange or red flowers develop into inedible orange fruits.

—Julia Jones, Fine Gardening #120

Growing Conditions & Care

Provide full sun and humusy soil in a sheltered location, away from wind.

Propagation

From offsets or seed. Seeds may take several months to germinate.

Common Problems

Cucumber mosaic virus, black leaf streak, anthracnose, wilt, spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, burrowing nematode.

Quick Reference

• Height: 3–6 ft.
• Spread: 3–6 ft.
• Growth Habit: Clumps
• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Moisture: Medium
• Maintenance: Low
• Flower Color: Salmon, Red
• Foliage Color: Variegated
• Uses: Container, Beds and Borders, Suitable as Annual
• Seasonal Interest: Summer
• Type: Perennials