Banana Plants in Portland – Photo Courtesy of Kathy and Harvey Anderson
In the late 1990’s, I was surprised to learn there was a banana plant that was hardy enough to thrive in Portland, Oregon. Yes, I was skeptical, but I tried one and it has survived and multiplied by sending up many new “pups”. This particular banana is Musa basjoo and is root hardy, meaning in the winter the top may die to the ground but the roots survive and the plant will emerge in the spring. Due to our mild winter this past year, I am hearing from gardeners telling me they have plants that are blooming. West Linn, Oregon gardeners Kathy and Harvey Anderson sent me this photo of their 17-foot tall banana with this very large and unique flower. Notice the bananas forming behind the flower. It is quite a novelty having banana plants bloom in Oregon!