Find a plant:

Genus Melianthus

Melianthus major Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

mel-ee-AN-thus

In the genus Melianthus are a handful of evergreen shrubs from the hilly grasslands of Africa that make good border, specimen, or greenhouse plants. The small flowers are sometimes oddly scented. They hold great quantities of nectar, hence the common name of "honey bush." The foliage makes an architectural statement in the garden. Greenhouse plants can be moved outside in summer.
Noteworthy characteristics: Evergreen. Nectar-rich flowers that attract hummingbirds. Good for coastal gardens.
Care: In the garden, choose a sheltered site in full sun with moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Melianthus won't tolerate excessive winter moisture. Indoors, grow in full light and low humidity; water sparingly in winter.
Propagation: Start seed indoors in spring at 55° to 64°F, or root basal or softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.
Problems: In the greenhouse, watch for spider mites and whiteflies.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Melianthus

Melianthus major
(Honey bush)

(2 user reviews)

Hardiness Zones:

Honey bush has attractive, 12- to 20-inch-long pinnate leaves with sharply toothed silver-green leaflets. It bears spike-like racemes of oddly scented brownish crimson to brick-red flowers from late spring to midsummer.