Musella lasiocarpa

Chinese dwarf banana, Golden lotus banana

(6 customer reviews)

Musella lasiocarpa is one of the toughest ornamental banana trees in the UK. In year 5 or 6 it will produce an amazing yellow flower (hence the name). The flower can last for up to 9 months!

Large, paddle shaped, green banana plant leaves have red blotches, creating an architectural focal point.

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Origin: Yunnan Province, China
Genus: Musella
Species / Cultivar: lasiocarpa
Common Name: Chinese dwarf banana, Golden lotus banana
Synonym: Ensete lasiocarpum, Musella splendida

Plant Biography

Musella lasiocarpa, also known as Chinese Dwarf Banana or Golden Lotus Banana, has a fascinating history. Native to the Yunnan province in China, it was first introduced to the Western world by French botanist Augustine Henry in the late 19th century. Despite its name, it is not a true banana but belongs to another division of the banana family. Musella lasiocarpa’s unique appearance, with its golden lotus-like flowers atop sturdy stems, captivated horticulturists, making it a prized ornamental plant in gardens and conservatories globally. Today, it remains a treasured and sought-after addition to tropical and subtropical landscapes.

With its ability to thrive in the UK’s cooler climates, Musella lasiocarpa is a popular choice for gardeners seeking a unique and resilient addition to their landscape. Don’t miss the chance to cultivate this exceptional banana tree, offering both durability and stunning aesthetics that will transform your garden into a tropical paradise.

The Golden lotus banana originates in the Yunnan province of China where it grows at altitudes of up to 2500 m.

It’s a shorter version of the other banana plants, reaching about 150-200cm maximum. It’s an ideal plant to be kept in pot.

It’s tolerant to any situation from shade to full sun.

As any other banana, it requires a fairly moist soil (however, not boggy) and feed with a slow release fertiliser if kept in a pot.

Musella lasiocarpa
Water Requirement: High
Likely to require supplementary watering in warmer months, even once established.
Situation: Full Sun to Full Shade
Tolerates the complete range of light levels, a very accommodating plant!
Eventual Height: 1.2 - 1.5m
The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.
Eventual Spread: 1m
The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.
Hardiness: Half Hardy
Will need protection from frosts in order to survive winter, eg. with fleece jacket.
Habit: Semi Evergreen
May only remain evergreen in milder winters, or only loose leaves for a short period.
Lifecycle: Perennial
This plant is persistant and does not die off after flowering. It will return each season indefinitely, if provided with suitable growing conditions.
Care & Size Guidance

Care & Size Guidance

Looking to add a touch of exotic beauty to your UK garden? Look no further than Musella lasiocarpa, one of the hardiest and most captivating ornamental banana trees around. In just 5 to 6 years, this remarkable plant produces a breathtaking yellow flower that can mesmerise for up to an incredible 9 months!

It forms a thicker, much sturdier “trunk” than other banana species, giving it a better resistance to cold and frost. Allow it to die back in winter and protect it with a horticultural fleece to minimize the frost damage.

New pups emerge every spring around the main trunk. These can be separated from the mother plant with a small root system and replanted in a different location.

Once the plant finishes its flowering, the main plant will die, however the many pups is throws around the side will continue to develop to maturity.

Expert Tip

Feed heavily during active growth period and don't skip on watering. The plants' massive paddled leaves transpire a lot of water and will show signs of stress as soon as the soil dries.
Banana & ginger care

Banana & ginger care

Bananas and gingers are heavy feeders and require plenty of water and fertiliser throughout the growing season to achieve maximum results.

For more information, check out out care guide for outdoor banana plants.

6 customer reviews for Musella lasiocarpa

Great product well packaged.

Christopher Dolman (verified owner)

As always I have received two beautiful Lasiocarpa perfectly wrapped. The Palm Centre always offer attractive prices and quality palnts.

Kim C.

Just taken delivery of two “mini” banana plants (musella lasiocarpo) to add to my collection. Plants arrived in under a week from ordering in excellent condition. They were well packaged to protect the leaves and look to be strong and healthy plants which will join their bigger brothers, (Musa basjoos, also from the Palm Centre) in the garden tomorrow. Many thanks to the Palm Centre.

Janet B.

Perfect healthy plant.

stacey H.