Ensete Hiniba small

Ensete Hiniba smallFor sheer tropical scale, little beats a banana and Ensete ventricosum 'Hiniba' is one of the most striking you can grow. This rare ornamental banana throws up huge, upright paddle shaped leaves in deep glaucous green, each one lit by a dramatic reddish pink midrib, all rising from a thick, sturdy pseudostem. One plant brings instant jungle to a patio. It's a fast, hungry grower in warmth, putting on remarkable size in a single season to become a real

For sheer tropical scale, little beats a banana — and Ensete ventricosum 'Hiniba' is one of the most striking you can grow. This rare ornamental banana throws up huge, upright paddle-shaped leaves in deep glaucous green, each one lit by a dramatic reddish-pink midrib, all rising from a thick, sturdy pseudostem. One plant brings instant jungle to a patio.

It's a fast, hungry grower in warmth, putting on remarkable size in a single season to become a real focal point in a big container or at the heart of an exotic border. Where the elephant ears bring dark drama, 'Hiniba' brings sheer architecture and presence — the kind of plant visitors stop and ask about.

Where to grow it

Give it as much sun and warmth as you can, in rich but free-draining soil — unlike the moisture-loving Colocasia, a banana dislikes sitting wet, so water generously through summer but never let it stand in water. A sheltered spot is essential: those big leaves shred in strong wind, so a warm, protected corner keeps them looking their best.

Supplied as an establishing young plant, grown here in Norfolk and ready to put on rapid growth once the warmth arrives.