Honey flower (Melianthus major)

The honey flower is a medium shrub

Image - Wikimedia / James Gaither

The honey flower is a plant that has leaves and flowers of great ornamental value. It is a shrub that reaches a height of 2 to 3 meters by a width of 1 to 3 meters, so it is very interesting to plant it near a path, or on a large terrace or patio.

Even if it is necessary, it can be pruned, for example if you always want to grow in a pot, or if the garden is not too big and you need the plant to have a compact bearing.

How is the honey flower?

The honey flower is an evergreen shrub

Image - Wikimedia / Don McCulley

It is an evergreen shrub endemic to South Africa whose scientific name is Melianthus major. In Spain we know it as honey flower or giant honey flower, since the flower stem reaches up to 80 centimeters long, and its flowers are red spikes about 5 centimeters long. But its leaves are not far behind either: they are pinnate, of a beautiful bluish-green color, and are between 30 and 50 centimeters long.

The only downside is that all its parts are poisonous, except the nectar of its flowers. If there are small children or pets, it is better to grow it in areas where they do not have access, or to place it surrounded by other plants so that they cannot get close.

What are the care it requires?

El Melianthus major it is a shrub of singular beauty. Perfect for growing in tropical regions, but also in temperate ones with mild winters. According to some English portals, such as PFaf.org, it is able to withstand frost, but if we take into account its origins, it is preferable that the temperatures remain high throughout the year so that it does not suffer damage.

To know how to take care of it, we will explain it in detail below:

Location

The giant flower of honey It can be grown both in a place where the sun shines directly, or in shade. But yes, if we choose to have it protected from the king star, it is convenient to take it to an area where there is clarity, since it needs a lot of light to grow in conditions.

Earth

  • Flower pot: Are you going to have it in a pot? Then fill it with universal substrate (for sale here), but first add a layer of volcanic clay or arlite for plants (for sale here). This will greatly improve drainage, and incidentally will also reduce the risk of rotting.
  • Garden: planting it in the ground is the most recommended option. With this it is achieved that it grows faster, with more strength and health. In addition, it tolerates a wide variety of soils, but they must have good drainage. Otherwise, that is, if yours is very compact and it is difficult for it to absorb the water, you have to make a hole and mix the earth with perlite in equal parts.

Irrigation

It has to be watered frequently in summerespecially during heat waves. It will be done 3 or 4 times a week during this season, as the soil dries quickly and, as the plant is also growing, its need to hydrate increases.

When temperatures drop, you will start to water less and less. In this way, we prevent the roots from receiving more water than they need for a few months in which growth is minimal.

When it comes to watering, you have to moisten the earth, making sure it soaks well. If it is in a pot and we have put a plate under it, it must be drained after each watering.

Subscriber

The honey flower is a shrubby plant

Image - Wikimedia / Stan Shebs

El Melianthus major can be paid in early spring until late summer. For this, it is possible to use fertilizers suitable for organic farming, such as animal manure, compost or humus. The only thing, if you have the plant in a pot, use liquid fertilizers, or if you prefer bars, since if you choose to apply granulated or powder products regularly, in the end the plant is damaged, since the drainage of the earth worsens.

Multiplication

The giant flower of honey multiplies by seeds in spring. They must be sown in pots, or in trays of alveoli, putting a maximum of two units in each one covering them with this substrate. Keep in mind that the plant grows fast, so it is preferable to put a few seeds in each seedbed so that later, when they are about 15 centimeters high, it is easier to plant them in other pots.

Once they are sown, will be taken abroad, and they will be put in a sunny place. Then, it will be watered every time it is necessary, preventing the soil from drying out completely.

Pruning

You can prune your Melianthus major after flowering, or at the end of winter if it is still a young specimen that has not flowered. You have to remove the branches that are broken or weak, and also trim the length of those that you consider to have grown excessively.

Rusticity

According to sources consulted, the honey flower resists up to -8ºC. In the Mediterranean region it can be grown outside all year round, but in colder areas it will need protection during the winter.

What uses does it have?

The honey flower is a shrub with red flowers

Image - Wikimedia / JMK

Despite the fact that the rest of its parts are poisonous if ingested, the honey flower is an interesting plant to grow both in the ground and in a pot. Also, you have to know that the nectar of its flowers is also used as a sweetener.

What did you think of the Melianthus major?


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