Ensete 'Ethiopian Black Banana'Ensete ventricosumEnsete ‘Maurelii’, Ensete 'Rubrum', Abyssinian Banana

Grow Ensete in any moist, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, with shelter from strong winds. Although it can be grown in a border, this tender banana is best grown in a large pot that can be moved into a cool conservatory or glasshouse over winter.

Feed weekly and water regularly throughout the growing season in spring and summer. Before the first frosts, cut back the top growth leaving 2 or 3 of the newest leaves. Lift specimens planted in the border, reducing the size of the root ball and potting up into a container just big enough to accommodate the roots. Pot up with freely draining compost that is barely moist. Reduce watering of container grown plants ready for moving.

Move the Ensete to a cool conservatory or greenhouse, out of direct sun, maintaining a minimum temperature of 5C (41F). Allow the plant to remain dormant and do not water. When all risk of frost has passed move your plant back outside and begin feeding and watering again as growth commences.

Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes, etc. are delivered at the appropriate time for planting or potting on. Delivery times will be stated on the product page above, or in your order acknowledgement page and email.

Orders for packets of seed incur a delivery charge of £2.99.

Orders which include any other products will incur a delivery charge of £6.99.

Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products, a maximum delivery charge of £7.99 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered.

Large items may incur a higher delivery charge - this will be displayed in your shopping basket.

Please see our Delivery page for further details, and more information on different charges that may apply to certain destinations.

For more information on how we send your plants please visit our Helpful Guide on plant sizes.