Musa siamensis is a very easy to grow cold hardy species of ornamental banana. It was first introduced to the US by the late Ginger and Heliconia collector Mark Collins. At the time of the release it was a new species and had not been officially published. Unfortunately many have sold this as Musa ornata (a catch all name for anything ornamental). Musa siamensis is a close relative of Musa laterita and has the same rhizome habit. It is a spreading species so needs space to grow. It is a naturally deciduous species that has survived outdoors in Zone 8b for many years. It produces attractive foliage and upright blooms of yellow. The fruits are yellow if pollinated. It is in theory edible, but the fruits are full of large, very hard seed.
Grows to 8′ in medium to full sun, hardy in Zones 8 and higher.