Question
My Abyssinian banana is two years old and about 20' tall, including tallest leaf.  I live in a semi-tropical climate; no die-back so far.  The wind has tattered all the leaves, and the formerly magnificent plant is now unsightly.  How far can this plant be cut back to generate fresh growth?  Crown?  No new growth visible this year.  Many thanks!

Answer
Hi Carol, you don't cut them back, they will continue to send out new growth from the center until fruiting takes place (or flowering with ornamentals..), if you cut it back, it will send out new growth from the center of the cut, but this is counter productive. Cut off the lower yellowed leaves, but leave the rest alone. I too live in a sub tropical climate zone, and mine are beginning to show growth at a rapid pace now, so be patient. If it has already flowered or set fruit then it needs to be cut down completely, and the new pups from the ground will be the next plant. Nick