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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....
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EvergreenSpreading leaves 30-50cm (12-20in) long have 9-17 closely set, ovate leaflets.
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Red
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Height2-3m (6½-10ft)
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Spread1-3m (3-10ft)
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Medium shrubTypically grow to around 4-6 feet in heightErect 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 winterHardy 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 sunProvide shelter from cold winds.
MELIANTHUS major
- Details
- Mature Size
- Tips and Advice
- Goes Well With
- Planting Combinations
- Other Suggestions
- See Also...
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Additional FeaturesArchitectural interestPests & DiseasesRed spider mite under glassPlace of originSouth AfricaResistant to honey fungusThese plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.Youtube video
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Flower ShapeRacemesSpike-like racemes 30-80cm (12-32in) long
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Garden Location/ConditionsBorderSuitable for a warm, sheltered borderPatio / pot plantsSub-tropical / mediterranean
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HardinessFrost hardy (down to -5)
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Leaf Colour (if not green)Blue
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Leaf formPinnate
(see photos above) -
Leaf marginIncised
(see photos above) -
Leaf shapeOvate
(see photos above) -
Pruning groupPruning group 4Suitable 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 & 7Pruning group 5Suitable 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 PlantsScented foliage
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Seasonal InterestAutumnSpringSummer
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Soil ConditionsFertile well drained soil
Jan
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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
Afterplant - Grow Your Own
AFTER PLANT GROW YOUR OWN seaweed is ready to use liquid concentrate that was specially formulated be used on all edible plants.
Only £8.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Afterplant - Tomatoes
AFTER PLANT TOMATO FEED Liquid Concentrate with Bio stimulant is a high potash liquid concentrate containing seaweed extract, plant derived amino acids and other nutrients specifically formulated to benefit tomatoes and greenhouse plants.
Only £8.00

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)
3 options from £3.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi
This specially adapted Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi will boost the growth of acid-loving plants like rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers and blueberries.
It contains ericoid and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which are found in poor acidic soils where ericaceous plants naturally grow.
Only £7.50

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