Hi Jack
RE the banana plant. If you're ever in Phoenix please visit the Royal Palms Resort on Camelback Rd. They have a really, really interesting collection of in-ground plantings of tropicals including banana (producing). plumeria and Royal Poinciana (flowering tree). They all are thriving, baring major freeze. But, they are mature, aged, established and do come back year after year.
I know of a home in Cave Creek. Colder than Metro Phoenix. There is quite a stand of aged banana plants on the north side of the home. Every single winter that freeze to a crisp. They are established and do return to new lush green foliage. I don't know if they are producing. From my POV... I wouldn't want a sip on a $20 bottle of Cab ruined by a crispy banana.
