How Do You Winterize Banana Trees and Elephant Ears in Murrells Inlet SC?

In Murrells Inlet SC, banana trees and elephant ears need winter protection because they are tropical plants that cannot survive a hard freeze without damage. Cut banana trees back to 3 feet after the first frost and mulch the base heavily. Dig elephant ear bulbs after foliage dies back, store them dry and above freezing, or mulch them deeply in place if your variety is rated to Zone 8b. C-Scapes Mulch and More carries the bulk mulch you need for winterizing both plants.

Do banana trees die in Murrells Inlet winters?

The above-ground portion usually dies back during a hard freeze, which is any night dropping to 28 degrees Fahrenheit or below. The Grand Strand can see a handful of those nights between December and February. What typically survives is the underground rhizome. If the rhizome survives, the banana will send up new shoots in spring and grow back vigorously, often to 8 to 12 feet or more by midsummer. The goal of winterizing is to protect the rhizome.

What is the correct way to winterize a banana tree?

Wait for the first frost to damage the leaves, then cut the trunk back to about 3 feet. Apply a minimum of 4 to 6 inches of mulch over the root zone, extending out about 3 feet in all directions from the trunk base. This is one of the rare situations where exceeding the normal 3-inch mulch depth is appropriate since you are insulating against sustained freezing temperatures. Pull the mulch back in March when new growth emerges.

Should you dig up elephant ear bulbs in Murrells Inlet?

It depends on the variety. Colocasia esculenta, the most common elephant ear, is generally rated to Zone 8 and can survive the Grand Strand winter in the ground with adequate mulch protection. Alocasia varieties are typically less cold-hardy. If not certain of the variety, digging and storing is the safer choice. Store bulbs above 50 degrees Fahrenheit in a paper or mesh bag with dry coir.