Overwintering Banana and Bird of Paradise in Toronto (Zone 5)

Bananas Yes, Bird of Paradise No

Hardy banana (Musa basjoo) can overwinter in zone 5 with heavy mulch or by digging, cutting tops, wrapping root ball in plastic, storing cool/dark, watering monthly, replanting spring. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia) has carrot-like roots that cannot tolerate frozen ground—even with mulch it will die in Toronto winters.

Banana Method

Dig after frost, cut leaves, wrap root ball, store in basement, replant after ground warms. Works for tropical bananas too.