Ensete glaucum

The rare snow banana, Ensete glaucum, is a Musa relative with large, dramatic, paddle-shaped leaves with a distinct bluish cast which also extends to the thick trunk. Plants are hardy in zone 8 and into zone 7b with protection. When mature, the incredible inflorescence of layered green bracts resembles an elephant's trunk. Plants are fast-growing quickly making a bold subtropical statement in the garden or in containers. In colder zones bring indoors in winter. Leaves can be chopped off and plants stored in a frost-free location with little light. Hardy to zone 7b. Photo: Wikipedia.

The local name Elephant is given by the ethnic communities living in the mountain areas of Xishuangbanna, where the banana trunk is used for pig food, its very voluminous trunk gives this banana tree a heavy structured feel. This species grows to 12'. Its peculiar and long flower is reminiscent of an elephant. Can be grown from zones 7 and up cold Hardy. All around favorite variety.

This Banana relative is found growing in Asia from India to Papua New Guinea. Commonly called the Snow Banana Ensete glaucum can with stand some cold temps and has be reported to over winter in zone 8 and zone 7b if protected. Ensete glaucum has a blue green color to the trunk and foliage the leaves are held at the top similar to most Musa species. The base is usually more swollen at the bottom and can be 1 to 2 feet wide. The flowers are very large and showy usually green and 1 foot wide and several feet long a spectacular sight when in flowering. Seldom offered and a great plant for subtropical and tropical garden. Should also do great as a large potted plant. Foliage: Large banana like plant with green trunk and blue green foliage. Flowers: Huge flowers 1 foot wide and several feet long. Height: 8 to 15 feet tall