Golden Lotus Banana (Musella lasiocarpa)

Considered to be one of southern China’s most sacred flowers, Golden Lotus Banana is actually a flowering shrub-like banana relative. It doesn’t produce edible fruit but the large sunny yellow flower that blooms in the summer and lasts for months is spectacular. It makes quite a conversation piece for gardeners. Because of its mountain habitat origins, it’s hardy to zone 7 and may survive in zone 6 with a thick layer of mulch. Grow in fertile soil in full sun. Golden Lotus Banana also makes an ideal container plant for northern gardeners.