Name: Musa velutina
Common name: Pink velvet banana
Description: Beginning in late summer, M. velutina produces ample flower stalks near the top of the trunk. Each stalk holds clusters of small, pink velvet bananas, but the fruit is not edible. M. velutina does not typically grow larger than 6 feet tall.
Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 7b-10. But not all strains of M. velutina are equally winter hardy.
In the landscape: Performs well in the ground or in a container.
Photo courtesy of carmen Galdames, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Explore the June 2013 Issue
Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.
Latest from Nursery Management
- Jackson & Perkins expands into Canadian market
- Green & Growin’ 26 brings together North Carolina’s green industry for education, connection and growth
- Marion Ag Service announces return of Doug Grott as chief operating officer
- The Garden Conservancy hosting Open Days 2026
- Registration open for 2026 Perennial Plant Association National Symposium
- Artificial intelligence applications and challenges
- Fred C. Gloeckner Foundation Research Fund calls for 2026 research proposals
- Harrell’s expands horticulture team with addition of Chad Keel
