Melianthus major
Honey Bush
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Honey Bush (Melianthus major) - Description
Melianthus major (giant honey flower or Kruidjie-roer-my-nie) is a species of flowering plant in the family Melianthaceae. 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 odour.
Honey Bush (Melianthus major) - Blooming
Blooms small flowers in spring that produce large amounts of nectar. The sweet nectar attracts bird pollinators.
Honey Bush (Melianthus major) - Growth
Plant Melianthus in a warm, sunny site with full sun exposure. Melianthus is a fast-grower; most of the active growth occurs during winter. Provide a dry mulch in winter to protect against excess moisture. Also shelter plants from cold, drying winds. Melianthus is tough and can survive most conditons including frost.Grow Melianthus in a border or as a specimen plant. In areas where Melianthus is not hardy, raise plants indoors in a cold greenhouse and move outdoors in summer.
Honey Bush (Melianthus major) - Planting
Sow seeds in spring at 55-64ºF (13-18ºC) in a seed trays with well-draining soil. Germination usually takes up to a month. Pot up seedlings into small pots and allow them to grow to be strong. Then plant out into the garden.Propagation is also successful via cuttings. Basal and softwood cuttings work best, and can be rooted in lates spring or early summer. Remove rooted suckers in spring as well.
Honey Bush (Melianthus major) - Pest
Spider mites and whiteflies.
Honey Bush (Melianthus major) - Interesting facts
There are 6 known species in the genus Melianthus, native to grassland in the hilly areas of southern Africa. The popularly cutivated species, Melianthus major (Honey bush), is poisonous and gives off an unpleasant odor warning of its toxicity; it should not be ingested! The local peoples of South Africa have discovered medicinal uses for Melianthus that are topical.
Honey Bush (Melianthus major) - Soil and irrigation
Does best with deep, fertile soil that is well-draining. Soil-based potting mix works fine for indoor plants. Water freely while in growth, and sparingly during winter.
