Musa sikkimensis Red Tiger - Hardy Banana

The Musa sikkimensis Red Tiger, also known as the Sikkim Banana Tree, is a variety derived from a relatively hardy banana tree, native to the forests of the Himalayas, whose base can withstand short periods of frost, down to -12°C (10.4 °F). It produces large leaves, initially bright green, with the lamina turning purple on the underside, as well as dark red stripes and streaks on the top. These leaves are fairly resistant to wind, better than those of the Musa basjoo. Its tropical appearance, reasonable size, and ease of cultivation in fertile and moist soil allow it to be grown in many gardens, even those of modest size.

The Sikkim Banana Tree, also known as Musa hookeri, or Darjeeling Banana Tree, is a giant herbaceous perennial, with a tuberous rhizome, belonging to the Musaceae family. It grows in the forests of the Himalayas, at altitudes of around 1700 m (5577 ft 5 in), sometimes up to 2000 m (6561 ft 8 in). 

The 'Red Tiger' plant, also called 'Manipur', is an annual plant that dies after producing fruit. It grows new trunks from buds carried by the rhizome every year. The plant has a green pseudo-trunk (stipe) made up of petioles of the leaves. The leaves are light green with purple undersides and can have burgundy-purple streaks on top and measure a maximum of 1.50m (4ft 11 in) in length. They spread out in a fan shape, forming a beautiful clump 2 to 4 m (6 ft 7 in - 13 ft 1 in) tall and 1 to 3 m (3 ft 4 in - 9 ft 10 in) wide.
In warm climates, the plant produces yellow to cream flowers in summer, surrounded by pink bracts. In warm regions, the plant also produces fruit with a sweetish but hard pulp that resembles bananas but has no taste interest. The leaves disappear with the first frost in winter, but the plant will resprout from the base in spring. The plant is quite hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -12°C for well-established specimens. However, younger specimens should be protected from severe frost.

The Red Tiger Himalayan Banana Tree is not commonly found in gardens, but it can be used in a variety of ways. It can be planted in a group, alone, or in a large pot on a terrace or conservatory. If planted in a pot, it is vital to ensure proper watering and protection in winter. This unique plant, along with cannas, tetrapanax papyrifers, bamboo, giant miscanthus, and castor oil plants, adds an exotic feel to temperate gardens. Banana trees become dormant during winter, like perennial plants, causing their above-ground parts to dry out and die. During the winter season, our team prunes these plants to the ground to encourage better growth in the spring.