This suckering shrub has an upright spreading habit with green hollow stems. It has large blue-green divided leaves with toothed leaflets and the red tube-shaped flowers appear in a raceme from spring to summer producing profuse quantities of nectar.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Melianthus major is naturally found in South Africa from north to western and Eastern Cape growing in moderately fertile well drained sandy to clay loams in an open sunny position. It is frost and drought tolerant.

Honey Bush is a sprawling shrub that is grown for its foliage and flowers. It is planted in medium to large gardens as a quick filler or specimen plant. It is also planted in pots and tubs and is suitable for coastal regions. It established in 1 to 2 years but may become invasive in warm climates. ID 1044

Melianthus(me-lee-ănth-us) major(MAH-yor)

Melianthaceae(me-lee-ANT-AY-see-ee)