Blood banana (Musa zebrina) MOO-sah zeb-REE-nah Genus:  Musa An oversize tender perennial, blood banana has large, fleshy, rubberlike leaves with dark markings. The foliage is green with random reddish purple blotches. On mature plants, orange or red flowers develop into inedible orange fruits. -Julia Jones, Designing with annuals, Fine Gardening issue #120 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. Problems:  Cucumber mosaic virus, black leaf streak, anthracnose, wilt, spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, burrowing nematode.

Overview

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