Jaw dropping 3 to 4m leaves on mature plants flushed with deep burgundy and a red stem make this probably the greatest foliage plant in the world. Looks great on the summer patio in a large pot or plunged into a tropical style bed for the summer. If it gets too big, just chop the trunk down as low as you like and watch it start all over again.

Can easily be stored as a dormant plant in winter in a frost free shed or garage or grow on through the colder months under heated glass such as a greenhouse or conservatory, don't try and grow it as a houseplant, most will die due to the low light levels and dry atmosphere created by central heating. To store as a dormant plant lift before the first heavy frosts cutting the roots back to within a few inches of the pseudostem base. Remove leaves and then place upside down in a dark frost free place for a few days. This will allow excess water to drain from the stem. It should look a bit like a giant spring onion once you have finished.  Once the water has drained wrap with fleece, old blankets or an old duvet and the store the correct way up for the winter in a dark, cool but frost free room. Unwrap and pot up in spring, water in and  keep night time temps above freezing. Planting outside can be done once all frosts have passed by which time the first leaves of the year should be coming through.

Grow in full sun sheltered from strong winds for the best leaves and once growth is under way just give it lots and lots of water and a regular feeding. Tolerates most soils.