Musa velutina aka Pink Velvet Banana

Musa velutina, or pink banana, belongs to the banana family, Musaceae. This herbaceous perennial comes from the eastern Himalaya to Assam. It grows mainly in subtropical regions. Garden plants often reach 4–6 feet [1.2–1.8 metres] tall. The RHS gives a taller range of 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres]. Plants spread about 3–5 feet [0.9–1.5 metres]. Gardeners grow it for its large leaves and pink fruit.

Overlapping leaf sheaths form a false trunk, called a pseudo-stem. New shoots grow to form more stems within the clump. The dark green leaves have a broad, paddle shape. They can reach 3 feet [0.9 metres] long. Plants keep their leaves where frost does not occur. Cold weather can kill the growth above ground. NCSU reports that plants can grow back in spring.

Arching flower spikes appear in summer, often late in the season. NCSU describes cream to yellow tubular flowers with pink bracts. The RHS describes the flowers as pink as well. Small pink bananas follow, each with a soft, fuzzy skin. They reach about 0.25 feet [0.08 metres] long and split when ripe. NCSU describes sweet, creamy white flesh packed with hard black seeds. It calls the flesh edible, though the seeds make eating difficult. The RHS instead lists the fruit as inedible. NCSU records fruit use for food, medicine, fertiliser, and leather polish. People also use the leaves to wrap food for steaming.

Give this banana a sheltered site with sun and rich soil. Good drainage matters, but the roots need steady moisture. It does not cope with drought and needs frequent watering. Wind shelter helps protect the large leaves from damage. Under glass, provide bright light with shade from hot sun. Water well through spring and summer; keep it just moist in winter. The RHS recommends a balanced liquid feed each month during active growth. Its UK hardiness rating is H1B, suited to summer outdoors. NCSU lists USDA zones 7b–11b, with winter dieback in colder sites.

Use pink banana as a specimen or in a large container. It also suits sheltered spots near patios and pools. Birds and butterflies visit the plant. Serious pest and disease problems are not usual. Watch for red spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Remove old leaves in spring. Grow new plants from seed or divide an established clump.