honey bush
Melianthus major
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones8 to 11
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size6 to 12 feet tall8 to 10 feet wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Honey bush (Melianthus major) is a shrub for borders, containers, and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 8, or down to 10°F (-12°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist soil of most types. The evergreen leaves are fragrant, and birds visit the plant. It grows tall and wide, so give it plenty of room.
Pairs well with Agapanthus, Totally Tangerine dahlia, and Lemon Grass lemongrass.
Native range
Africa, Free State, Lesotho, and Northern Provinces.