Banana

[cjhomebird]

I have a banana in a pot and not sure what I need to do with it over the winter. It is only amall and has quite a few 'babies' growing around it.Can I take these babies off and plant up?

Also can anyone advise on the care of my Oleander. It was sheeding itsleaves in the summer, due to the rain(?) possibly.
I have moved it nearer to the house where it cant get wet, but does it need any other winter care?

CJ

[Ruthie]

I've never grown bananas CJ but my instinct is that if it's a young plant it will need protection, a G/H, conservatory or cold frame. Failing this I guess sacking or fleece may help it survive. My instinct also says don't remove and pot up the babies yet unless you can give them a constant few degrees above freezing. They'll be very vulnerable away from Mum as it were.
I don't think Oleander is hardy either so you may need some fleece there too.
Maybe Andy will see this thread. He's an expert on exotics I believe.

[andy]

It would all depend on what species of banana it is really. Both the japanese and the chinese bananas are pretty root hardy which means the tops will die off in cold weather but the roots remain alive and will grow again next year. I would personally bring it in where you can either leave it to carry on growing in a warm conservatory or greenhouse or just give it basic frost free protection.

The Oleander will need to come in. They will take a bit of cold but not frosts im afraid. Keep away from kids as they're very poisonous !!!

In the "greenhouse" section, there's a big thread on exotics....have a look through there.

Good luck