It can be cut back to nearly any height you want. In years past I've cut them back to 8 feet, 4 feet and several times left them to freeze to ground level. The latter is no problem here in zone 8, as they'll pop up in spring and return to their former selves in no time.
You've already got the heavy mulch part sorted out.

Cheers, Barrie.

...So this process will work for Zone 5 winter temps as well?

Thank you.

Your only concern is a heavy mulch. The height you cut them back to is up to you. The taller the pseudostem, the more protection required.

Cheers, Barrie.

I don't think your basjoo will survive the cold weather in Zone 5. I would dig it to play safe. I am in zone 7 and lost all my basjoos few years ago so now they all go inside the garage. Good luck!! Bellie

I've overwintered M. basjoo for two winters here on the northern fringe of zone 6. Reports from a number of gardeners indicate well-mulched specimens are capable of surviving in zone 5 (cover to keep the plants from rotting in cold, soggy soil).

Unless you want to get elaborate with protection devices (i.e. heating cables, electric lights etc.), don't figure on overwintering the pseudostem. It'll freeze back to ground level and you will hopefully get new sprouts in the spring.

shipkdc...
I've tried Basjoo many times, in many areas and with a variety of degrees of protection... Here's what works here in OHIO...
1. Make sure the soil you plant it in is well drained, especially in winter... add rocks and sand if possible...
2. Planting next to the foundation of the house or in a protected area is usually helpful.. not necessary, but helpful...
3. Limit the feritlizer, but give it plenty of water in summer...
4. Wait until a hard freeze kills/turns the leaves brown and cut the pseudostem back to about 2-3ft. It would be very rare to have the pseudostem overwinter, no matter how much protection you afford the plant.
5. Spray the pseudostem, (especially the base of the plant) very well with a copper based fungicide, to prevent rot.
6. Build a wire cage around the pseudostem and fill the cage with oak leaves or dry straw... (make sure the material is DRY and pack it tight)
7. Secure the cage in place and cover it with a big garbage bag. Since a garbage bag in the yard is ugly, I cover it again with burlap, to hide the black bag...

As soon as temps begin to warm (mid-April) uncover everything. The pseudostem will be mush, but the base should be firm and a whitish/pinkish/green in color. Spray the base again with the fungicide and growth usually begins when temps start staying in the 70's.
Good luck

Thank you all for the great input. I am going to give it a shot outside and chop it to the ground. I just don't have any room for more plants inside. A good layer of mulch and a foam rose cover...will let you know what happens next spring.

Thanks Again!!!

Thanks. I'm in Colorado and my two basjoos are staying out. I've just done the leaf-cage business. Cross your fingers and say a little prayer!

Let us all post come spring for the results.

jamesco I realize its a little late lol but I wanted to see how your basjoo's are doing? I also live in Colorado and am thinking of planting some

I have had musa basjoo survive in the Chicago area (zone 5) overwinter but it was planted 2 ft. away from the south facing wall of an unheated garage. Surely, next to the wall of a heated building would be better. But, although I tried many times, I never got one to survive when planted in the ground away from a wall.