Plant of the Moment – No.17 Ensete ventricosum 'Tandarra Red'

Continuing yesterday's theme of light, here are the enormous paddle-like leaves of the banana Ensete ventricosum 'Tandarra Red', the glossy upper surfaces reflecting burnished tones of deepest red and dark green, the matt-effect undersides like ruby port. When back-lit the strong red mid-vein and horizontal ribbing are beautifully picked out.

This plant is in a large pot, which stands outside in a sheltered sunny spot from May to October, spending the rest of the year in the greenhouse, where I keep it completely dry in mid-winter. With frequent watering, a diet of tomato feed – and above all – warmth, successive leaves unroll and expand to form one of the most dramatic plants in the garden at this time of year.