Hi there! I´m growing Ensete Glaucum from seed for the second year since the ones I had last year didn´t make it into spring (that was a terrible experience!).

I was wondering if they really are as cold hardy as its other name suggests ("snow banana"). I´ve found very discouraging comments on the Net. Has anyone had any direct experience to share? I would REALLY appreciate it!

THANKS A LOT!!!

Joan

Hi Joan,
There were expeditions into the mountains of China that found E.glaucum growing at high elevations. BUT, E.glaucum is native through out southeast Asia, so the seeds could be from anywhere(from eastern India all the way to Paupa New Guneia).
E.ventricosum is still the hardiest, followed by E.glaucum, then the numerous(3 or more) E.superbums. I overwintered in a cold house similar sized E.glaucums, and 2 kinds of superbums, and the E.glaucums came back in the spring. They seem to need dry winters, but not totally sure yet.
GL

Thanks a lot GL!

I´ve been buying the seeds from The Banana Tree. It is posted there that Ensete Glaucum is ideal for zones 7 to 10... Hope the last batch I bought was from the coldest zone. Again, thanks a lot! Joan