Should I cut back my banana plant or leave it?

I cut it back and covered it with gardeners fabric with a bin bag over the top last year and the centre went mouldy over winter. I replanted it and it did have little new plants that sprouted, but this time I'd like to keep the whole plant if possible. As there is likely to be a frost tonight I am worried and unsure whether just to leave it.

The banana plant is about 15ft high and planted in a very large pot in a London garden.

www.architecturalplants.com recommend cutting back with knife - anyone got a better idea?

Thanks

Should I cut back my banana plant or leave it?
Leaves are damaged at 32°F (0°C), plant will grow back from the root (corm)

Winter is the banana's most crucial period. Extended wet-feet, however, will kill them at any time of the year.

During winter when ambient temperatures are below 55 degrees F, growth is very slow and moisture requirements are low. Irrigate sparingly or not at all if soil is damp. Never add fertilizer to cold, wet soil.

Freezing temperatures will kill the foliage. In most areas bananas require wind protection for best appearance and maximum yield.

Frost Protection: Bananas flourish best under uniformly warm conditions but can survive 28° F for short periods. If the temperature does not fall below 22° F and the cold period is short, the underground rhizome will usually survive. To keep the plants that are above ground producing, protection against low temperatures is very important. Wrap trunk or cover with blanket if the plants are small and low temperatures are predicted.
Reply:Hey Wondercat, I don't know a thing about London's weather,{even though my ancestors are from London}, but if you have frost and ice and freezing temps., your leaves are going to burn unless you cover them with frost cloth everyday and take it off when temps reach above 50 during the day. Do you really want to do this? Covering the whole plant basically on a daily basis is not going to be easy. Your first answer is about the best one, except you may need to hack it with a chain saw instead of a knife. Your raising a tropical plant, it has to have a warm atmosphere in order to keep the leaves. Unless you have 15 feet ceilings and can bring it in door during the winter, or can cover with the frost cloth, be content to raise it again next spring. You did good though when you repotted it. It will be ready for next year.

P.S. do you know any Bracketts, or Bruces.
Reply:I agree with the above answer but instead of just tying the leaves around it i would also wrap it round with fleece to be on th e safe side
Reply:Hi cut off all leaves just below the leaves then get four canes and place around out side about 18" then wrap chicken wire around canes. Then fill inside with straw all the way down and over plant. This will keep plant frost free till next year check ever few weeks and if the straw is starting to get mouldy change before it gets to the plant.
Reply:all you should do is fold the leaves down and tie them with gardening twine
Reply:I cut mine back with a kitchen knife or even a hacksaw blade.

I've cut them back before and after a freeze. Either way, they

came back next spring.
Reply:LOOK AT MY OVER WINTER RECIPE TO KEEP'EM GOING!