Honey bush (Melianthus major) mel-ee-AN-thus MAY-jor Genus:  Melianthus Honey bush has attractive, 12- to 20-inch-long pinnate leaves with sharply toothed silver-green leaflets. It bears spike-like racemes of oddly scented brownish crimson to brick-red flowers from late spring to midsummer. Care:  Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Shelter from cold and wind, and protect from excessive winter moisture. Where not hardy, grow in a cold greenhouse and plant or stand outside in summer. Or treat as a perennial; it will resprout annually from the base where temperatures do not fall below 23°F. Propagation:  Root basal or softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer. Problems:  Spider mites and whiteflies under glass.

Overview

Height 6 ft. to 10 ft. Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft. Growth Habit Spreads Light Full Sun Only Moisture Medium Moisture Characteristics Fragrant Flowers, Showy Foliage Bloom Time Spring, Summer Flower Color Red Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Specimen Plant/Focal Point Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Shrubs