Will a banana bush grow in the North Carolina mountains very well?

Answer 1

The answer depends on which banana bush you mean and where you are in the mountains. There is a banana bush or shrub called Michelia or Magnolia figo that has light-green leaves and has flowers that smell like bananas (no edible fruit). That shrub will only survive typical winters in the southwestern mountains near Georgia (if unprotected).

If you mean the plants that produce edible bananas (Musa genus), they may survive and grow slowly if you either store them out of the elements in the winter or wrap the trunks or pseudostems extensively (especially at higher elevations or closer to Virginia). If you are wanting to grow banana plants for decoration or for their leaves, then you might consider Musa basjoo, the hardy or "Japanese" fiber banana, which will grow and overwinter almost anywhere in the mountains if you mulch the plant bases in winter.

Answer 2

In order to thrive, bananas require a warm climatic environment. However, there are a few species that are tolerant to cold climates and do well in North Carolina.

Answer 3

Yes! The Musa Basjoo or "Cold Hardy Banana" is from the Himalayan mountains and can survive temperatures of -20°F!