Banana Shrub Care

Water the shrub frequently during its first growing season as this is essential in the establishment of a deep root system. Use a hose to water the shrub once a week, and water the shrub slowly for best results. If dealing with extreme heat while trying to establish a banana shrub, water the plant twice or more a week.

Pruning banana shrubs should be done when the plant is most dormant in winter or spring before new growth emerges. Always use sharp, clean cutting implements to prevent transferring diseases from plant to plant.

Administer a broad-spectrum fertilizer in the spring before signs of new growth appear. Follow the manufacturer label instructions for proper dosage and watering directions, and apply the fertilizer to the soil around the shrub.

Banana shrubs do well in both full sun and light shade, though plants grown in the sun will feature yellowish-green leaves and a shorter, tighter overall appearance.

It prefers a slightly acidic, well-drained sandy soil that has been enriched with organic material. Like other shrubs, banana shrub should be planted so that the soil line of the plant is slightly higher than the surrounding soil level.

Given their native climate, it is unsurprising that banana plants are cold intolerant. They need mild temperatures in order to grow; their leaves will stop growing at around 55°F. They will suffer leaf damage at 32°F, and their underground rhizomes will die at sustained temperatures of 22°F or lower.

Pot up only when the plant fills the container, moving to a pot that's only 1-2 inches larger. Why? Using a pot that's too big will hold too much water, which can lead to root rot. Besides, your banana shrub blooms best when its roots are slightly root-bound.

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