Melianthus major Leaf (08/09/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Late spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 2m
Eventual Spread: 2m
Hardiness: 8a – 11
Family: Melianthaceae
Melianthus major is an evergreen sub shrub with dramatic large foliage. Its grey/ green leaves are pinnate with large serrate margins, up to 50cm long and have a distinctive fragrance when crushed. Its red/ brown flowers are tubular, produced on erect stems which are up to 30 cm long. These are produced only in hot summers in the UK. Its fruit. Its roots produce runners which aid its spread.
Melianthus major, commonly known as the Honey Bush, Don’t Touch Me Bush or the Great Honey Flower, is native to South Africa. In its native habitat it grows in ditches and verges. All parts of this plant are toxic if eaten.
The etymological root of the binomial name Melianthus is derived from the Greek Meli meaning ‘honey and anqos meaning ‘flower’. Major is from the Latin meaning ‘larger’.
The landscape architect may find Melianthus major useful as a dramatic foliage plant. It is hardy in warmer parts of the UK, the leaves will usually be lost at the first frost, but new shoots usually emerge the following spring. Once established this plant is drought tolerant.
Melianthus major (08/09/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
Ecologically, Melianthus major is attractive to nectar drinking birds.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given Melianthus major their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Melianthus major prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It dislikes a wet crown, particularly during the winter months.
Melianthus major requires little maintenance. For a tidy appearance this plant should be cut back in early spring, this will create a dense foliage shrub.
