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MELIANTHUS major
Commonly known as Honey bush
Handsome architectural evergreen for the herbaceous border in milder climates. Bluish green pinnate leaves and crimson tubular flowers
Further Reading....
- Details
- Mature Size
- Tips and Advice
- Goes Well With
- Planting Combinations
- Other Suggestions
- See Also...
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Evergreen - spreading, pinnate leaves 30-50cm (12-20in) long have 9-17 closely set, oval leaflets.
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Red
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Height - 2-3m (6½-10ft)
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Spread - 1-3m (3-10ft)
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Medium shrub - Typically grow to around 4-6 feet in height - erect to spreading shrub with robust, hollow stems mostly near ground level. Flowers, 2.5cm (1in) long.
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Half hardy - unheated greenhouse / mild winter - Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK except in severe winters and a risk from sudden (early) frosts. May be hardy elsewhere with wall shelter or good micro-climate. Likely to be damaged or killed in cold winters. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -5°C (23°F)
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Full sun - provide shelter from cold winds.
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Additional Features - Architectural interest -
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Pests & Diseases - red spider mite under glass
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Place of origin - South Africa
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Resistant to honey fungus - These plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
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Youtube video
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Flower Shape - Racemes - - spike-like racemes 30-80cm (12-32in) long
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Garden Location/Conditions - Patio / pot plants -
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Sub-tropical / mediterranean
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Hardiness - Frost hardy (down to -5) -
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Leaf Colour (if not green) - Blue -
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Pruning group - Pruning group 4
Suitable for: Deciduous trees and shrubs that flower on current year's growth or are grown for winter stem effect.
Pruning: Hard prune to a low permanent framework.
When: Annually in early Spring.
RHS group 5, 6 & 7 -
Pruning group 5 - Suitable for: Evergreen shrubs that require minimal pruning.
Action: Trim or lightly cut back shoots that spoil symmetry. Deadhead regularly.
When: Annually after flowering.
RHS group 8 -
Scented Plants - Scented foliage -
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Seasonal Interest - Autumn -
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Spring
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Summer
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Soil Conditions - Fertile well drained soil -
Jan
Feb
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May
Jun
Jul
Aug
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Melianthus - Growing Guide
2-3m (6½-10ft)
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1-3m (3-10ft) |









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Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50