AWARD

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....
  • Evergreen
    Spreading leaves 30-50cm (12-20in) long have 9-17 closely set, ovate leaflets.
  • Red
  • Height
    2-3m (6½-10ft)
  • Spread
    1-3m (3-10ft)
  • 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.
  • 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)
  • Full sun
    Provide shelter from cold winds.

MELIANTHUS major

 
Seeds £6.00 per packet 
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  • Additional Features
    Architectural interest
    Pests & Diseases
    Red spider mite under glass
    Place of origin
    South Africa
    Resistant to honey fungus
    These plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
    Youtube video
  • Flower Shape
    Racemes
    Spike-like racemes 30-80cm (12-32in) long
  • Garden Location/Conditions
    Border
    Suitable for a warm, sheltered border
    Patio / pot plants
    Sub-tropical / mediterranean
  • Hardiness
    Frost hardy (down to -5)
  • Leaf Colour (if not green)
    Blue
  • Leaf form
    Pinnate
    (see photos above)
  • Leaf margin
    Incised
    (see photos above)
  • Leaf shape
    Ovate
    (see photos above)
  • 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.

    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.

  • Scented Plants
    Scented foliage
  • Seasonal Interest
    Autumn
    Spring
    Summer
  • Soil Conditions
    Fertile well drained soil
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Melianthus - Growing Guide
2-3m (6½-10ft)
Medium Shrub - guide for size not form Average Person
  1-3m (3-10ft)
 

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