Red Banana

About this plant

The 'Maurelii' cultivar of Ensete ventricosum, commonly known as Red Banana, brings an unparalleled vibrancy to any space. Its massive, paddle-shaped leaves emerge with striking burgundy-red undersides and midribs, maturing to a rich bronzed-green with age, creating a spectacular focal point. While technically a perennial, in most climates, the Red Banana behaves like an annual, dying back with frost and regrowing spectacularly from the corm in warmer zones. For cooler regions, it can be overwintered indoors as a houseplant or its corm stored dormant. Its impressive scale and rich coloration make it ideal for adding a luxurious, jungle-like ambiance to patios, pool areas, or prominent garden beds. Plant in groupings for an even more immersive tropical effect.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Requires consistently moist, well-draining, and rich soil. Fertilize regularly during the growing season for optimal growth and color. Protect from strong winds to prevent leaf tearing. In colder climates, bring indoors before frost or dig up the corm for storage.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.