Musa 'Red Iholene'

Musa 'Red Iholene'

Growing Information

  • Temp: For best growth above 65°F is recommended. Wind tolerant
  • Light: Full sun to no less than 30% shade. Foliage growers should use 30%-60% shade.
  • Soil: Good water holding capacity is needed
  • Mature Height: 12-14'
  • Type: Dessert, fruit mature quickly
  • Hardiness: Zone 8-10
  • Major Pests: Borers, grasshoppers, and root nematodes
  • Diseases: Panama disease and Black Sigatoka (a leaf spot disease)
  • Origin: NA

One of the most ornamental of all banana plants, and this one bears fine-tasting fruit, too. This Hawaiian cultivar has leaves that are burgundy colored on their lower surface to match the red-pink pseudostem. Being of a modest height, it is suited to both the landscape and greenhouse where it makes a beautiful specimen. The unripe fruit skin starts out pale yellow and should not be picked until it is very ripe. This is a close relative of Musa 'White Iholene' and Musa 'Ha'a', which is the dwarf form of the 'Iholene' group. Very distinctive!