Bananas Foster is a hybrid Sinningia that brings the drama of tall, pendulous flower spikes in pale yellow to orange tones to any bright indoor or garden space. This tuberous perennial from the gesneriad family reaches 21-24 inches tall and wide at maturity, thriving in zones 7-10 and blooming reliably from May through September. The showy, tubular flowers are a hummingbird magnet, making this a living bird feeder that also works beautifully as a houseplant with proper dormancy care.
Partial Sun
Moderate
7-10
24in H x 24in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
The pale yellow to orange flower spikes dangle gracefully from the plant's sturdy frame, creating a tropical focal point that hummingbirds can't resist. Unlike many indoor tropicals, this variety can actually survive outdoors in zone 7 gardens if you treat it right, though most gardeners grow it as a houseplant where humidity and bright, indirect light keep it thriving. The real appeal lies in how reliably it flowers over five full months and how willingly it re-emerges from dormancy year after year.
Bananas Foster shines as an indoor houseplant in bright, humid locations, though it can also be grown as a garden subject in zones 7-10 where conditions permit. Its primary ornamental value lies in the showy flower display, which makes it an excellent choice for windowsills, sheltered patios, and any space where hummingbirds frequent.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
In zones 7-10, Bananas Foster can be planted outdoors in spring after the risk of frost has passed. Choose a location with bright, indirect light and protection from intense afternoon sun. Space plants 21-24 inches apart to allow for their mature spread. In cooler zones, grow in containers so you can move them indoors before the first frost.
Allow the plant to naturally complete its flowering cycle from May through September. After blooming ends, the plant will naturally decline as it enters dormancy; this is normal and desired. You can remove spent flower spikes and any dead or damaged foliage as they appear, but aggressive pruning is not necessary. During the 2-3 month dormancy period in cool, dark conditions, the plant will rest and prepare for the next growing season.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“Sinningia belongs to a genus of 70 to 80 species native to Central and South America, many of which are tuberous herbaceous perennials. The genus itself honors Wilhelm Sinning, who served as head gardener at the University of Bonn from 1794 to 1874 and championed the cultivation of these remarkable plants. Bananas Foster is a hybrid selection within this lineage, bred to showcase the genus's showiest traits: tall flower spikes and tropical appeal in a manageable houseplant form.”