| Genus -
Melianthus |
|
| Species -
Major |
| Common
Names: Honey Bush, Honeybush |
| Growth
Rate: Average to Fast |
| Height: 3m |
| Spread:
2m |
| Position:
Full sun to light shade |
| Flowering Period:
May to July (only on mature plants) |
| Hardiness:
Half Hardy. It needs a minimum winter temperature
of 4-7C (40-45F). Can be protected in winter by a
thick layer of mulch. |
| Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. |
| Origin:
South Africa |
| Hazards:
Poisonous if ingested. |
| Garden
Care: Water
frequently and apply a balanced, liquid fertiliser
each month during the growing season. Protect
specimens grown outdoors with a dry winter mulch
of straw or bracken. In early spring cut back the
stems to within two or three buds from the base. |
|
| Spectacular,
grey-green to steely blue-grey leaves up to 50cm (20in)
long and spikes of brownish-crimson to deep brick-red
flowers. This architectural shrub is an ideal specimen
plant for a sunny, exotic-style garden in warmer areas
of the country. To minimise the risk of frost-damage
it's important to provide a dry, winter mulch. |
|
