Smallanthus maculatus

Am absolute beast of a plant from the cloud forests of Central America, growing to over 3.5m in one season when larger.  The thick cane like stems have a purple mottling, whilst the leaves are huge and velvety in texture.  First saw this one outside the glasshouses at Wisley.  With a mulch, should be root hardy in the warmer parts of the UK, otherwise lift and keep frost free for the colder months.