Melianthus major

HONEY BUSH

Melianthus major
HONEY BUSH

Melianthus major really impresses in size, architectural beauty, and fragrance.

Large copper chains of fragrant summer blooms

With showy large copper chains of fragrant blooms all summer.
Together with handsome blue-green foliage, with an almost palm like quality.

Honey scent

And both the flowers and foliage are fragrant.
With the flowers scented like honey, and the leaves scented like peanut-butter when they are crushed.
Altogether the Honey Bush makes a bold statement in the garden with both looks and scent.

Native birds & bees adore it

Native Honeyeater birds just cannot leave the nectar rich flowers alone.
And the bees constantly work them as well.

Tough, easy, low maintenance

Melianthus major is a tough, easy, robust grower, and very low maintenance.
So it is ideal for background planting where it can provide beautiful colour, flowers and foliage, without the need for you to get in there often.

Iron tough

Or it is certainly handsome enough for a prominent position, and especially where something iron tough is needed.

Architecturally handsome in tough spots

Where the bold, beautiful blue-grey foliage; graceful upright shape; with the striking flowers arching at the top – really makes a statement.  And often in spots where little else will thrive.

Water wise & heat hardy

So plant Melianthus major in either Sun to Shade – it really will not mind.

Copes well with dry shade

And bless it – it also copes with dry shade well.

Perfect for poor soils, drier spots & limited water

So Melianthus major is ideal for all gardeners with poor soils, drier spots and limited water.

Frost hardy

If Melianthus major is grown out in the open, then it can withstand frosts down to -5°C.
However as it is usually grown in dry shade, where it receives more shelter, then it is able to withstand even harder frosts.

Rarely troubled by pests & diseases

And it is rarely if ever troubled by pests and diseases.

Rabbit & deer resistant

Even rabbits and deer are rarely tempted.

Tall & architectural in flowers foliage & scent

Melianthus major is a bone-hardy, tall and attractive perennial for flowers, foliage and scent.
1.2m High with arching chains of flowers x 1.2m Wide blue-grey impressive foliage. 

SEED SOWING ADVICE: QUICK & EASY
Suitable for beginners

 Seeds of Melianthus major can be planted directly in the garden during autumn, winter or spring.
OR
Sown indoors at any time when suitable temperatures are available (15-20°C).
You can use a heat mat if you have one.

Sow indoors for optimum germination and quick & early plants: First sow the large seeds in individual plant tubes or small pots, on the surface of good quality seed raising mix.

Now gently press the seeds onto the surface of the mix to ensure good contact.
Then barely cover the seeds with sieved mix/grit/or sand, but do not bury the seeds deeply.
Because these seeds need light for germination.

Now thoroughly moisten the sown pots by standing it in a shallow water bath.
And allowing the moisture to percolate up to the surface of the mix from below.

Then drain, and place the moist pots in a warm, well-lit place (not in any direct sunlight).
Temperatures of 15-20°C. are ideal for rapid and optimum germination.
You can use a heat mat, or simply place on a warm window-sill or corner.

Place a plastic lid or plastic bag over to retain moisture, and continue to keep moist by misting from a spray water-bottle when needed.

Seeds should germinate in approx. 14-28 days.
But patience – do not discard – some seeds may come later.
This is natural for plants from arid areas to stagger germination. This gives their offspring a sporting chance to emerge into favourable weather conditions.

Seed Count: 3 large seeds per pack.

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