The banana plant is prized for its large, lush, light‑green leaves and its majestic silhouette. It is an essential plant to bring an exotic feel to the garden. Most species are sensitive to cold, but there are also hardy banana plants, such as Musa basjoo, which can easily be grown outdoors. Despite its arborescent habit, the banana plant is a giant herbaceous perennial whose above‑ground parts die back with first frosts and regrow in spring. If you have a banana plant in your garden, discover all our tips to care for it and prune it correctly!
Why prune banana plant?
Pruning banana plant is not strictly necessary: it can do perfectly well without pruning. However, withered or dry leaves are not very attractive, so removing them is beneficial. Dead or damaged leaves can also become refugia for parasites or diseases. By eliminating them you reduce these risks. Finally, pruning can make winter protection easier or help the banana plant restart growth in spring.
When to prune a banana plant?
- In spring and summer: This is the banana plant’s active growth period. You can prune yellowing or damaged leaves as they appear.
- In autumn: Before winter arrives, a clean‑up is often necessary to prepare the plant for cold season. Remove damaged or dead leaves to prevent rotting.
After fruiting
In our climates, banana plants are rarely grown for their fruit, as there is little chance of successful fruiting... However, if you grow a banana plant in a pot under a greenhouse or conservatory (for example the variety 'Dwarf Cavendish'), it may fruit. A banana plant produces fruit only once in its life. Once the bunch of bananas has been harvested, the above‑ground part of the plant dies. At this stage, it is necessary to cut the pseudostem (the "false stem") to allow a healthy sucker to take over.
Required equipment
Here is the equipment you will need to prune a banana plant:
- A pruning shear or a garden shear, sharp and disinfected to remove dead or damaged leaves.
- A garden saw, to cut thick pseudostems or remove more robust suckers.
- gardening gloves to protect your hands. Banana leaves can be thick and fibrous, and some varieties have slightly sharp edges.
- A wheelbarrow or a garden waste bag to collect and carry plant debris
How to prune a banana plant?
Winter pruning
If you live in a cold climate, it is best to prune the banana plant in autumn:
- After first frosts, once above‑ground parts are dry, prune banana plant to about 20 cm above ground.
- Place a thick layer of mulch over the stump, at least 50 cm deep. You can cover the whole with a winter fleece.
In mild climates, for example in the Mediterranean region or on the Atlantic coast, where frost risk is low, we recommend leaving dry leaves in place during winter. Then, at the start of spring, before the banana plant restarts growth, prune dry parts to about 20 cm above ground.
Maintenance pruning
Throughout the year, cut dry leaves at the base as you spot them:
- Cut yellow, brown or desiccated leaves at their base, about 5 cm from the pseudostem, using a pruning shear. Do not cut too close to avoid damaging the main stem.
- Collect plant debris and compost it if possible. This will help prevent parasites or diseases appearing around the plant.
Remove unnecessary suckers :
- Suckers or offshoots are shoots that emerge at the base of the plant. To favour growth of a main banana plant, it is advisable to keep only one or two suckers.
- Cut other suckers at their base with a saw or a very sharp knife.
How to maintain banana plant after pruning?
Once main pruning is done, monitor your banana plant throughout the season. Remove damaged leaves as soon as they appear and check suckers to avoid overcrowding.
After pruning, apply a potassium‑rich fertiliser to help the plant regenerate and grow vigorously.
Banana plant appreciates water, but beware excess, especially after heavy pruning. Ensure soil remains moist without becoming waterlogged.
In cold regions, mulch the base of the banana plant after pruning to protect its roots from frost.
Comments