Red Abyssinian Banana
Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii'
Red Abyssinian Banana
Why grow the Red Abyssinian Banana?
This is one of the most striking foliage plants you can grow outdoors in the UK. Each huge leaf can reach well over a metre long, with an olive-green upper surface and a glowing red-purple midrib and underside that lights up beautifully when backlit by low sun. Unlike a true Musa, this ensete ventricosum maurelii forms a single, stout, swollen trunk rather than a clump, giving it an architectural, almost prehistoric presence. As a focal point or repeated through a hot, exotic border, the red banana plant brings height, lush texture and serious wow factor.
- Dramatic burgundy-flushed, paddle-shaped leaves
- Fast, statuesque growth in a single season
- Superb as a patio container specimen or border centrepiece
- Pairs beautifully with cannas, colocasia and other tender exotics
To get the best from your ensete ventricosum maurelii in the UK, choose the warmest, sunniest and most sheltered spot you can offer, ideally against a south or west-facing wall and out of strong wind that can tear the leaves. Plant into rich, fertile, moisture-retentive yet free-draining soil or a loam-based compost, and water and feed generously throughout spring and summer to fuel that rapid, leafy growth. In a season it will typically reach 2 to 2.5 m, building to 3 to 4 m over several years in ideal conditions.
Crucially, this is a tender exotic (RHS hardiness H2) and is not frost hardy, so it is best treated as a patio plant that summers outside and overwinters under cover. Before the first frosts, move it into a frost-free greenhouse, conservatory or cool bright room, or lift, trim and store the rootstock, then bring it back out once the danger of frost has passed.
Our plants are nursery-grown and carefully selected for strong, healthy growth and rich leaf colour, ready to make an immediate statement in your garden.
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No, it is a tender exotic (RHS H2) and will be killed by frost. Grow it outdoors for the summer display, then protect it indoors or in a frost-free greenhouse from autumn through to late spring.
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Before the first frosts, move container plants into a frost-free, bright, cool room or greenhouse. Larger plants can be lifted, have their leaves trimmed and roots reduced, then be stored almost dry in a frost-free spot until spring.
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In a single UK season it can put on impressive growth, reaching around 2 to 2.5 m, and over several years in ideal conditions it can climb to 3 to 4 m with a broad spread of dramatic paddle-shaped leaves.
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Yes, it is an outstanding patio and container plant. A large, heavy pot of rich compost keeps it stable and makes it easy to wheel into shelter for winter, which is the simplest way to keep it year after year.
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It performs best in full sun in a warm, sheltered position, which deepens the red and burgundy colouring of the leaves. A spot out of strong wind is essential to stop the large leaves tearing.
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We always aim to make sure our customers love our products, but if you do need to return an order within 14 days of purchase (not including plants*), or any items are damaged, we’re happy to help. Just email us directly at hello@growtropicals.com, and we’ll take you through the process.
Please note: we cannot be held liable for any packaging costs should the original packaging be discarded.
*Unfortunately we cannot accept returns of undamaged plants as these are perishable items and are not saleable upon return. If a plant is damaged, we will compensate for this as per our live arrival guarantee. -
When placing your order, you can choose from three dispatch speeds to suit your needs: Economy (prepared and shipped within 4-5 days), Standard (3-5 days), or Express (dispatched the very next day). Please keep in mind that "dispatch" refers to the time it takes our team to prepare and pack your items before handing them over to the courier, not the total delivery time.
Shipping costs are based on your total order value and will be calculated at checkout, with free shipping automatically applied to all orders over £60. For a full breakdown of shipping prices please see our help center here.
Additionally, to protect the health and quality of our live plants, orders containing plants are exclusively shipped Monday through Thursday. This careful scheduling prevents your plants from being stuck in a dark shipping depot over the weekend, ensuring they arrive at your door vibrant and healthy.



