Description
Musa sikkimensis ‘Red Tiger’, known as the Darjeeling banana is a truly fabulous hardy banana plant from the foothills of the Himalayas unsurprisingly in the Sikkim provence. For us this means ‘Red Tiger’ naturally has a good resistence to winter cold, regularly experiencing freezing temperatures each winter. Here in the UK Musa sikkimensis ‘Red Tiger’ is surely one of the most exotic. Arguably the most colourful larged leaved plant available to us, with huge paddle shaped leaves up to 2m or more long. Deep green streaked randomly with red on the upper surface and dark maroon red on the underside. Wow.
It is generally accepted Musa basjoo the Japanese hardy banana is the UK’s hardiest banana for cool climates but really Musa sikkimensis is in my opinion just as tough and undeniably much more attractive, the leaves as well as being coloured are also thicker and stronger then Musa basjoo. When grown side by side here in West Sussex, Musa sikkimensis regularly out performs Musa basjoo with trunks regulalry reaching 3 or 4m in height.
As with Musa basjoo we recommend for maximum growth and size, some form of winter protection, either by wrapping the trunks in straw or hessian, even fleece to stop the cold penetrating the centre of each trunk. Allowing the banana to regrow each spring from the height it was in the autumn rather than having to regrow from the base. Plant in fertile soil (add organic matter and spoil with fertilizer) in a sunny to part sunny position ideally away from strong winds and enjoy the spectacular growth.
Definitely one of my favourites and looks so tropical when planted amongst bamboo, palms, hardy gingers ansd giant Dahlias.
**Please note when sending out fast growing leafy plants such as bananas we will have to cut back the leaves a little or bend them to fit in a box, visually this can look traumatic but is the only logical way we can post or package economically. Once received your plant will rapidly grow looking splendid in no time. Thank you for your understanding.**
Marilyn Mason (verified owner) –
Ordered yesterday received today , packaged brilliantly .Plant looks very healthy am looking forward to the results .
Marilyn Mason (verified owner) –
Ordered yesterday received today ,beautifully packed and a lovely looking plant .excelled yourselves again .It was worth the waiting list.
johnbertram373 (verified owner) –
The Big Plant Nursery never disappoints .From the excellent quality of the plants ,price . wonderful customer service .
They make a happy gardener even happier .
Thanks again
Cheers John
Ruth Wright (verified owner) –
Large healthy plant with impressive paddle-shaped leaves arrived quickly and in A1 condition. It’s having a little dr8nk and a rest before I set it into the ground next to 2 potted ensete v maurelli. Very happy with my first order from Big Plant – arrived quickly and tracking for courier was also very good.
Ian (verified owner) –
I pressed the click to be notified when plant was in stock and an email arrived shortly afterwards. Lucky me. The plant is beautiful and healthy. It will make a great addition to my garden.
Delivery was without fuss.
Alan Matthews –
Lovely healthy plant …
Doing really well
Emily Butler –
Plant arrived in great condition and is a beautiful healthy specimen. Beautiful! Very happy thank you 😊
Martin Gibson (verified owner) –
Plant arrived in great condition.
Thank you
Janice Ware (verified owner) –
Plant arrived in great condition. Am looking forward to watching this amazing plant flourish!
I will definitely be purchasing more plants from your nursery.
Many thanks
GMC (verified owner) –
Great plant delivered in excellent condition. Very pleased.
Lee (verified owner) –
Great delivery! Due to the current situation, the plants look stunning thank you very much 🙂