Melianthus major (Honey Bush)

Bold-looking, award-winning Melianthus major (Honey Bush) is a fast-growing evergreen open shrub of sprawling habit with attractive, deeply incised leaves, 18 in. long (45 cm), composed of jagged-edged leaflets that are a terrific blue-green color. Soft to the feel, the foliage emits a strong salty peanut butter-like smell when bruised. From spring to summer, spikes of honey scented, tubular, burgundy-maroon flowers are displayed in erect racemes above the foliage. Rich in nectar, they attract sunbirds and other nectar-feeding birds. They are followed by papery seed pods. Honey Bush makes a dramatic addition to containers or seasonal plantings. Use it in beds and borders as a focal point or specimen plant.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 6-12 ft. high (180-360 cm) and 8-10 ft. wide (240-300 cm).
• Easily grown in moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Best in partial shade in hot climates. Shelter from cold, drying winds and provide a dry mulch in winter to protect from excessive winter wet.
• Great for beds and borders, wall-side borders or containers.
• Generally disease free. Keep an eye out for glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly under glass.
• Looks best if pruned hard and is often treated more like a perennial than a shrub. Cut the stems back to 3 in. (7 cm) just as growth resumes in spring.
• Propagate by basal softwood cuttings in spring or propagate by division in early spring.
• Melianthus major is toxic to humans and animals, with the roots being particularly poisonous due to the presence of cardiac glycosides. Ingestion of any part of the plant can be harmful and may lead to serious health issues. Caution is advised when handling or planting near pets and children. Poisonous flowers and plants: Identifying toxic risks around you
• Native to South Africa