Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii'

Red banana is a perennial cultivar in the Musaceae (banana) family.  Named for J. Maurel who drew attention from the French in Ethiopia to the native red-leaved 'banana' looking plant.  

It is best grown in full sun, with some shade in the hotter portion of the day.  Moist soil is a must.  However, don't overwater.  

Locate in a site where the plant receives some protection from strong winds that can damage the leaves.  Courtyards, atriums, and walled gardens are ideal.  

'Maurelii' is a cultivar of Ensete ventricosum that differs from others in the species by its unique foliage.  It will emerge with maroon-reddish tints and reddish leaf axils.  With a maximum height of 10' when grown in temperate regions, it is smaller in height than other varieties.  It is also a difficult plant to successfully transplant, so placing in the ground during the summer months with the intention of moving indoors in the cooler months is not an option.  Better to plant in a container that can be moved indoors with the temperatures begin to fall.  

Its trunk is referred to as a stipe, which indicates that it resembles a stalk.  The leaves that are produced along the stipe are long and broad.  With varying shades ranging from green to purple to red, the foliage is the focal point of the plant.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Wilt, mosiac virus and anthracnose are issues affecting this plant.  Insects include aphids, mealybugs, scale and spider mites.