FIVE TOP BANANAS

1 ENSETE VENTRICOSUM ‘ MAURELII’

Forming a compact clump of red-flushed stems and leaves, tender Abyssinian banana is ideal for adding impact.

2 MUSA BASJOO

Native to China, so-called hardy banana was introduced to Britain in the 1880s and has stems that can eventually reach 15ft or so.

3 MUSA SIKKIMENSIS ‘ RED TIGER’’

A tough cookie with stunning leaves adorned with maroon markings.

4 MUSA LASIOCARPA

Hardy down to minus 8C, golden lotus banana, top, forms a compact, bushy clump with huge, bright yellow flowers that can last for six months.

5 MUSA VELUTINA

A tender species that’s happy outside in summer. Produces pink-skinned bananas with sweet but very seedy flesh.