The Secret Gardeners of Washington, D. C.,& Vicinity

Cannas & Bananas Japanese Hardy Bananas in Rockville, MD
For a bold statement, add Cannas & Bananas to the sunny parts of your garden! These tropical-looking plants will amaze your neighbors, and they are root-hardy in our area.
The Japanese Hardy Banana, Musa basjoo, has 6-foot leaves, and can reach 14 feet in height. In the winter, you can wrap the stems in burlap, and mulch 1 or 2 feet around the roots. If part of the stems survive the winter, the plant will grow taller in the spring. Musa basjoo has pretty yellow flowers, and small, inedible fruit. Don't eat these!
Cannas are well-known in D. C., but are only thought of as annuals. Plant Cannas near your south or east foundation, and leave them in the ground. They'll come back in the spring, and reward you with 6-8 foot plants, with vibrant tropical flowers!
At right are several Japanese Hardy Bananas in Rockville, MD
More Cannas & Bananas pictures - Click on the thumbnails to see the full-size photos
Another view of Japanese Hardy Bananas in Rockville, MD

Canna 'Bengal Tiger' in Brookside Gardens - Wheaton, MD

There are many varieties of Cannas to grow. Some of the more unusual are are the variegated ones like 'Bengal Tiger' at left. There is even a 'banana canna', 'Musafolia', which grows up to 12' tall! There is a second variety of hardy banana, Musa sikkimensis, which is now being tested. Only time will tell, but go to the Sources & Resources page for information on obtaining one.