Banana Dwarf Cavendish Tree

‘Dwarf Cavendish’ is a compact, suckering banana grown for large tropical leaves and edible fruit. Although it is often called a tree, it is an herbaceous perennial whose upright pseudostems are formed from leaf bases. ## Form and fruit This cultivar belongs to the Cavendish banana group and can reach several metres in a warm growing environment. The Royal Horticultural Society gives a mature height range of 2.5–4 metres and spread of 1.5–2.5 metres. Its broad, oblong leaves rise from the pseudostems; drooping flower spikes with yellow flowers and purple bracts can appear sporadically, followed by edible yellow bananas. The University of Florida describes Dwarf Cavendish as a productive fruit cultivar with large bunches. ## Site and climate Grow in full sun or partial shade in moist, fertile, well-drained soil. A sheltered position protects the broad leaves from wind. It is also suitable for a large patio container, which can be moved under cover before freezing weather. ## Maintenance Keep the soil evenly moist during active growth and feed container plants regularly. Remove old leaves as they decline, and thin excess suckers so the main pseudostem can produce a fruit bunch. In climates with cold winters, bring the container indoors or provide warm, protected conditions. Sources: [RHS plant profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/56394/musa-acuminata-dwarf-cavendish-aaa-group-f/details) and [UF/IFAS Extension banana guide](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST409).