GIANT HONEYBUSH Melianthus
One of the prettiest giant foliage plants! Melianthus major, the giant honey flower or kruidjie-roer-my-nie, 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. Dark red, nectar-laden flower spikes, 30–80 cm (12–31 in) in length, appear in spring, followed by green pods.
The Latin binomial Melianthus major literally means "large honey flower".
In cultivation this plant requires a sheltered location and may also need a protective winter mulch in temperate regions. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Type: Perennial or houseplant
Height: 7-10 feet, or prune to keep smaller
Seed origin: USA
Note: All parts of the plants and seeds are poisonous.
Seeds per pack: 5
Germination: Your planting container should have holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. For best results, obtain a sterile seed-start mixed with sand (50:50), and place just under the surface of the growing medium. Keep moist until germination, which can take 8 weeks, though be patient, as some seeds may take longer. You can cover the container with clear plastic if you wish, to retain moisture until germination. Once seeds emerge, place the pot in bright place, or under bright grow lights.
