Hardiness zones
Sunset 12-21 (with protection), 22-24
USDA 9 (w/ adequate protection), 10-11
Landscape Use: Large entry ways, large mall atriums, north sides of large buildings, shaded courtyards and patios, high density areas where where the urban microclaimtre of urban heating has created freeze free zones; poolside
Form & Character: Herbaceous large perennial, upright and rigid, very tropical
Growth Habit: Moderately basal clumping to 15' in height with a 6' wide spread
Foliage/Texture: Leaves are elongated to 4' long, leathery green with a dominate succulent midvein and extended sheathed petioles that emerge from trunk in one view plane, tend to tatter and tear in Phoenix, coarse texture.
Flowers & Fruits: Beautiful, deep blue and mostly white, fruit inconspicuous,
Seasonal Color: Spring flowers
Temperature: Intolerant of freezing temperatures and temperatures about 100oF
Light: Partial shade best in desert, no western sun, northern and protected eastern exposures are best.
Soil: Light to heavy, avoid high alkalinity
Watering: Regular
Pruning: Remove spent flowers on a stalk as they senesce. Remove tattered foliage.
Propagation: Seed, some division of basal clumps every 5 years will generate a some young plants.
Disease and pests: Snails and slugs in LA, but none here in Phoenix.
Additional comments: This is the large landscape specimen plant that is too big for small landscape spaces. Very similar to Musa sp. (banana) in size and texture, but leaves are cupped upright about the midvein whereas banana leaves are reflexed downward, more cold tolerant.
