Musa/Musella/Ensente Leaf Hardiness

[Cameron_z6a_N.S.]

After leaving my Musa basjoo and Musella lasiocarpa outside during a freeze (around 8 hours long, temps around -1 C / 31 F), I saw an interesting difference between the two plants. Although both pots were situated within half a foot of each other (and in an exposed location), only the basjoo showed any signs of leaf damage! Even a day later, there is no damage showing up on the Musella. Has anyone else noticed a similar hardiness in Musellas? Also, how do Ensentes fare compared to the two?

Both plants:


No damage on the Musella lasiocarpa:


Musa basjoo damage 1:


Musa basjoo damage 2:



Last night my area had the first frost of the season, so both plants are inside for the winter, and will be planted out next spring. At least they made it to November 1st (barely)!

As well, I'm not sure if anyone has seen any posts on other websites, but a red subspecies of Musella has now been discovered! http://www.bioone.org/action/showFullPo ... -3-349-f01

Cameron.

[sidpook]

Very cool, I'll check out the link. Thanks for posting.
BTW Mine got fried Sunday night into Monday, I am cutting them all back to winterize them this weeekend

[canadianplant]

Interesting...

I left all my houseplants during a freeze one night. Not a hard frost but, definitely frost. I looked and my musa itinerans seedlings (4 leaves) were covered with frost. One of the seedlings that was standing up, recovered no problems, while the one that was on the ground lost 3 outta 4 leaves, and recovered inside. They are now a god 5 inches taller.

Are you bringing those inside for the winter? IF you keep them as houseplants, use a small fan directed at them, other wise the basjoo will literally fall apart when you take it out next year!

[sidpook]

no, mine are all outside for good. I just cut them back and mulch and wrap

[bananieru]

Last year I left outside, protected but no heat added, a Musa basjoo and a Musella lasiocarpa. Musella survived and basjoo died. (basjoo was only one year old, while musella was a few years old). This year I planted another basjoo that I already took it inside for the winter.

Tavi

[Cameron_z6a_N.S.]

Thanks for the info, everyone!