Melianthus comosus
tufted honey flower
M. comosus is a sparsely branched, medium-sized, evergreen sub-shrub with hollow stems and boldly toothed leaves comprised of 5 or 7 leaflets. In spring, short sprays of light red to orange flowers 1.5cm long are produced beneath the leaves
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Orange Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Francoaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Melianthus are evergreen shrubs, often grown as herbaceous perennials, with handsome pinnate leaves and small, tubular flowers in narrow, erect racemes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Southern Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Shelter from cold, drying winds and provide a dry mulch in winter to protect from excessive winter wet. Alternatively, grow in a container and keep outside over the summer and bring under glass in late autumn
Propagation
Propagate by basal softwood cuttings in spring or by division in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly when grown under glass
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
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