Musa sikkimensis

Description

A Himalayan species of banana that is known to occur in areas of heavy annual snowfall and hard frosts, with green foliage to 5 feet borne on stems to 18 feet or more. This robust grower dazzles with its glossy dark green leaves that radiate scarlet-red from the reverse, while displaying dramatic burgundy streaks on the leaf fronts. Initial testing has shown this rare species to be at least as hardy as M. basjoo, perhaps even a partial zone hardier. Mulch heavily in zone 6 and try your luck-we'd love to hear your results.