Melianthus spp.

honey bush

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Hummingbirds Deer Resistant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

HardinessZones 8–11

Overview

Melianthus spp. is a genus of about six evergreen shrubs in the family Francoaceae, native to southern Africa and known as honey bush. The species most often grown, M. major, forms a sprawling, suckering shrub 6-10 ft (1.8-3 m) tall and as wide, though it is often cut back yearly and kept to 3-5 ft (0.9-1.5 m) as a foliage plant. The large pinnate leaves, 12-18 in (30-45 cm) long, are blue-gray to gray-green with deeply and sharply toothed leaflets, and give off a strong scent, often likened to peanut butter, when bruised. Erect spikes 12-32 in (30-80 cm) tall carry tubular brick-red to maroon flowers in spring, each holding copious blackish nectar that draws sunbirds in the wild and bees in cultivation. Slightly inflated papery seed capsules follow. All parts are toxic if eaten. Plants are frost-tender, with top growth cut down by hard frost, though established roots resprout in mild climates.

Native Range

Melianthus spp. is native to southern Africa, chiefly South Africa, where species grow on disturbed ground, streambanks, rocky slopes, and forest margins from the coast into the mountains. M. major has naturalized in parts of Australia, New Zealand, California, and the Mediterranean.

Suggested Uses

Melianthus spp. is grown for its blue-gray foliage in subtropical borders, gravel and coastal gardens, and large containers, and as a cut-back foliage accent in cold-winter regions. Plants are spaced 4-6 ft (1.2-1.8 m) apart where allowed to reach full size. The bold leaves contrast with narrow-leaved grasses and perennials.

How to Identify

Identify Melianthus spp. by its large blue-gray pinnate leaves with sharply saw-toothed leaflets and a winged leaf stalk, releasing a strong peanut-like odor when crushed. Upright spikes of tubular brick-red to maroon flowers, heavy with dark nectar, rise above the foliage in spring. Stout, hollow stems and a suckering base complete the picture.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 10'

Width/Spread6' - 10'

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring

Flowering occurs mainly in spring, from late winter into early summer depending on climate, on stout erect spikes. The tubular dark-red flowers produce abundant nearly black nectar and are bird-pollinated in their native range. Papery, bladder-like seed capsules form through summer.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Brick-red to maroon

Foliage Description

Blue-gray to gray-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand clay

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Melianthus spp. grows in full sun to light shade in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5 and moderate moisture. The genus is frost-tender, hardy in USDA zones 8-11, with top growth killed near 20 F (-7 C) but roots often resprouting in zones 8-9. In cold areas it is treated as a cut-back foliage shrub or container plant overwintered under cover. Plants spread by suckers and can colonize, so root spread is checked where space is limited. Wind shreds the large leaves, so a sheltered position keeps foliage intact. Dry summer soil causes wilting and leaf scorch.

Pruning

Melianthus spp. is cut back hard in early spring, with old stems reduced to 6-12 in (15-30 cm) above ground to spur fresh, well-colored foliage. Where grown for flowers, only frost-damaged and spent flowering stems are removed instead. Suckers are dug out to control spread.