Plants by mail order since 1984, over 4100 plants online today!
6th January 2021. In line with the current government lockdown rules, Burncoose Nurseries is closed to visitors. However at present we are able to offer click and collect to local customers. This will be weekdays only, not weekends.
Mail order is continuing as normal. However please allow extra time for the couriers to deliver, once despatched from us. Sorry to say that some depots are experiencing high volumes of traffic, also staff shortages.

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
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Melianthus - Growing Guide
2-3m (6½-10ft)
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1-3m (3-10ft) |









ABUTILON 'Ashford Red'
Flowering maple, Parlour maple
Available from £16.00

ALBIZIA julibrissin 'Ombrella'
Available from £20.00

BUDDLEJA davidii 'Nanho Purple'
Butterfly bush, Buddleia
Available from £13.50

EUPHORBIA amygdaloides var robbiae
Wood spurge
Available from £10.50

EUPHORBIA mellifera
Honey spurge
Available from £12.50

GERANIUM 'Johnson's Blue'
Cranesbill
Available from £12.50

HEDYCHIUM aurantiacum
Ginger lily
Available from £13.50

MITRARIA coccinea
Chilean mitre flower

OSMANTHUS heterophyllus 'Variegatus'
Holly osmanthus
Available from £12.50

PHORMIUM 'Yellow Wave'
New Zealand flax
Available from £16.00
Useful extras...

Harrod Horticulture Plant Supports - Plant & Border Supports
Trumpet wire support
The Harrod Peony plant supports have a striking trumpet shape which is ideal for supporting many plants including peonies. Available in several sizes, in traditional rust & matt black colour.
6 options from £36.00

Harrod Horticulture Plant Supports - Plant & Border Supports
Short circular wire plant support
The Harrod short circular plant supports available in rust or matt black are ideal for herbs, campanulas, agapanthus, shrub roses, hollyhocks and foxgloves and are made to last.
2 options from £32.00

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