Overview

Melianthus major is a bushy shrubs in the genus Melianthus, part of the Francoaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Melianthus major grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH.

About

Melianthus major, the giant honey flower or kruidjie-roer-my-nie (Afrikaans for 'herb-touch-me-not'), is a species of flowering plant in the family Francoaceae. It is an evergreen suckering shrub, endemic to South Africa and naturalised in India, Australia and New Zealand. It grows to 2–3 m (7–10 ft) tall by 1–3 m (3–10 ft) wide, with pinnate blue-green leaves 30–50 cm (12–20 in) long, which have a distinctive musky odour. Dark red, nectar-laden flower spikes, 30–80 cm (12–31 in) in length, appear in spring, followed by green pods. It grows to around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Melianthus major

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Melianthus

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

Plant details

Melianthus major size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Shrubs, Herbaceous Perennial

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Time to full height

5-10 years

Frequently asked questions