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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Melianthaceae (Melianthusą) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Maroon |
| Bloomtime: Winter/Spring |
| Height: 8-12 feet |
| Width: 8-12 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Deer Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 15-20° F |
| May be Poisonous (More Info): Yes |
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Melianthus major (Honey Bush) - This fast-growing evergreen open shrub can grow up to 12 feet tall or more and spread rapidly by sucker roots. The one foot long bluish-green leaves have 10-15 serrated leaflets and when bruised have a strong salty peanut butter-like smell. Spikes of dark maroon-colored flowers are displayed on stalks above the foliage from winter through spring followed by papery seed pods. These flowers are variously described as ill or pleasingly honey scented but we find the flowers only slightly fragrant (not bad or good) and hard to even discern over the scent of the foliage once it is brushed up against. Plant in full sun to part shade and water occasionally. It can rejuvenate if foliage is frozen, tolerating temperatures down to about 16 °F and the rootstock is reported as hardy to as low as 5° F if the plant is mulched. This plant looks best if pruned hard and is often treated more like a perennial than a shrub. Does suffer occasionally from whitefly infestations in shaded gardens so keep any eye on this and wash off foliage as necessary. It is considered quite poisonous but poisonous plant references also note that domestic animals will not eat these offensively scented plants unless there is no other food available. For information on this please look at the "More Information" link below.
The information on this page is based on research conducted in our nursery library and from online sources as well as from observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery's garden and in other gardens that we have observed it in. We also will incorporate comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have additional information, particularly if this information is contrary to what we have written or includes additional cultural tips that might aid others in growing Melianthus major.
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