Propagation | Division. |
Cultivation | Very high moisture needs; do not let dry out between watering. Suitable for bogs and water gardens. Plant outside in early summer in a sheltered location in full sun. Keep soil wet in dry weather. Benefits from a monthly application of high potassium fertilizer. When frost blackens the foliage in autumn, lift the rhizomes; over winter store frost-free in barely moist peat-free soil or leaf mold. In milder conditions, leave in the ground and cover with dry mulch. |
Pests | Caterpillars, glasshouse red spider mite and aphids. |
Leaf Description | Green lance-shaped leaves 20-30 cm wide, 90 cm long, resembling banana (Musa) leaves. |
Flower Description | Small red flowers bloom in mid-late summer. The flowers are somewhat insignificant when compared to the foliage. |