1 Ensete Maurelii Red Abyssinian Banana Plant, Exotic Tropical Garden Perennial, 19cm Root Ball

Ensete Maurelii – Red Abyssinian Banana Plant

Add a striking tropical centrepiece to your garden or patio with the Ensete Maurelii, commonly known as the Red Abyssinian Banana. Prized for its large, dramatic paddle-shaped leaves flushed with rich burgundy-red tones, this architectural plant brings an exotic, jungle-like feel to any outdoor space. Despite its banana-like appearance, Ensete is grown primarily for its spectacular ornamental foliage rather than fruit.

This plant thrives in a warm, sheltered position and makes a superb focal point in borders, courtyards and large containers. During the warmer months it produces rapid, vigorous growth, and its bold silhouette pairs beautifully with other tropical or Mediterranean-style planting schemes. In cooler climates, it should be overwintered indoors or in a frost-free greenhouse to protect it from cold temperatures.

What's Included:

• 1 x Ensete Maurelii (Red Abyssinian Banana) plant supplied in a 19cm root ball

Key Features:

• Large, paddle-shaped leaves with deep red-burgundy colouration


• Bold, architectural growth habit – ideal as a statement plant


• Perfect for creating an exotic, tropical-style garden display


• Suitable for borders, patios and large containers


• Fast-growing during the warm season with impressive foliage

Cultural Information:

• Botanical Name: Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii'


• Common Names: Red Abyssinian Banana, Red Banana Plant, Ethiopian Banana


• Classification: Tender herbaceous perennial


• Fully Grown Height & Spread: Up to 3–6 m × 2–3 m (in ideal growing conditions)


• Growth Habit: Upright, Single-Stemmed Architectural Plant with Large Paddle-Shaped Leaves


• Perfect for: Tropical-Style Gardens, Borders, Large Containers, Patios, Focal Points


• Flowering: Rarely flowers in UK cultivation; grown for ornamental foliage


• Planting Position: Full Sun, Sheltered from Strong Winds


• Soil: Rich, Moist but Well-Drained Soil


• Watering: Keep well-watered during the growing season; reduce in winter


• Hardiness: Half Hardy – Not Frost Tolerant (RHS H1c); Overwinter Indoors or in a Frost-Free Greenhouse


• Foliage: Large, Broad, Paddle-Shaped Leaves with Deep Red-Burgundy Flush


• Type: Tender Perennial

Planting & Care Tips:

• Plant out after the last frosts, choosing a warm, sheltered spot in full sun


• Enrich the planting area with organic matter and ensure good drainage


• Water regularly throughout the growing season and feed fortnightly with a balanced liquid fertiliser


• Before the first autumn frosts, lift the plant or move containers indoors to a bright, frost-free location


• Reduce watering over winter, keeping the root ball just moist

Notes: This listing is for the Maurelii variety, recognised for its distinctive deep red-burgundy leaf colouration. Leaf colour intensity may vary depending on light levels and growing conditions.

Free UK Delivery on Every Order

All orders placed Monday–Thursday before 2pm are packed the next working day and delivered within 24 hours of dispatch.

Example: Order on Monday → packed Tuesday → delivered Wednesday.

Orders placed Friday–Sunday are packed and shipped on Monday. We don't dispatch on weekends to ensure your plants travel fresh.

How Your Plants Arrive
Every plant is individually wrapped in our plastic-free packaging and secured in a custom box designed to keep them upright and protected in transit. If anything arrives damaged, get in touch — we'll replace it.

Returns
Not happy? Contact us within 14 days of delivery and we'll sort it out. See our full returns policy here.