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. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include architectural, patio and container plants, wall side borders and flower borders and beds.
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
About the genus
Melianthus is a genus of flowering plants native to elevated grassland in South Africa, Lesotho, and Namibia. A common name for these plants is honey flower, which is also the English translation of the Latin name. This name also attaches to the species M.
Wikipedia contributors, "Melianthus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Melianthus
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
- UK hardiness
- H3
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
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Patio and container plants, Wall side borders, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Melianthus major
- Propagation
- Basal softwood cuttings in spring, Division in early spring
- Pest resistance
- Red spider mite, Glasshouse whitefly
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Melianthus major?
Melianthus major prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Melianthus major need?
Melianthus major is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Melianthus major grow?
Melianthus major reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 1.5-2.5 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Melianthus major hardy in the UK?
Melianthus major has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Melianthus major?
Basal softwood cuttings in spring, Division in early spring.
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