Honey Bush Melianthus major
ABOUT
The honey bush is an eye-catching plant known for its distinctive foliage and striking overall appearance. The leaves of the honey bush are notably large and pinnate, resembling ferns or some types of palm leaves. Each leaf is made up of numerous leaflets, which are elongated with serrated edges, creating a feathery look. The color of the foliage is a glaucous blue-green, often with a silvery sheen that makes the plant stand out in the landscape. During its blooming season, the honey bush produces tall spikes of flowers. These flowers are typically a deep red or brownish-red color and are densely packed on the vertical spikes. The blooms have a somewhat unusual, architectural structure that adds an exotic touch to the plant's profile. The combination of the unique leaf structure and the striking flowers gives the honey bush a dramatic and tropical appearance, even though it's suited to a variety of climates. The stems of the honey bush are robust, supporting the large leaves and contributing to the plant's robust appearance. They can have a reddish tinge that complements the color of the flowers nicely. Overall, the honey bush's distinct look, with its impressive leaves and showy flower spikes, can make it a highlight in any garden setting where its rich texture and colors provide a strong visual interest.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Honey Bush, Giant Honey Flower, Touch-me-not.
Common names
Melianthus major.
ToxicityTo humans
The Honey Bush (Melianthus major) is known to be toxic to humans. All parts of the plant, but especially the leaves and the seeds, contain toxic compounds. If ingested, it can cause severe symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, and in some cases, it can lead to more serious effects such as paralysis or cardiac arrest. Due to the presence of toxic compounds such as bufadienolides, it is essential that no part of the plant is consumed. Accidental ingestion should be treated as a medical emergency.
To pets
Similarly to humans, the Honey Bush (Melianthus major) poses a risk to pets due to its toxic nature. The entire plant, with a particular emphasis on leaves and seeds, contains toxins which can be harmful if ingested by animals. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, and may progress to more severe conditions like tremors, seizures, or heart problems. It is critical for pet owners to prevent their animals from consuming any part of this plant and to seek immediate veterinary care if their pet shows signs of Honey Bush poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Blue-green
Flower color
Red
Height
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Spread
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Melianthus major, commonly known as the honey bush, is prized for its unique and attractive foliage, which provides a striking visual element to landscapes and gardens.
- Architectural Interest: The honey bush has a dramatic structural form with large, pinnate leaves that can add a bold architectural statement to a garden design.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the honey bush is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water-use gardens in suitable climates.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers produce nectar that attracts birds, such as sunbirds, and insects, which can help to pollinate other plants in the garden and contribute to local biodiversity.
- Fast Growth: Honey bush is known for its rapid growth rate, which allows gardeners to quickly establish the plant in new or renovated landscapes.
- Tactile Experience: The leaves of Melianthus major are textured, adding a unique sensory experience to a garden that visitors can enjoy through touch.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Melianthus major, commonly known as the Honey Bush, can be used in the making of floral arrangements due to its striking foliage and architectural form.
- The resinous foliage of the Honey Bush has been used traditionally as an insect repellent, when crushed and applied to the skin or burnt like incense.
- With its large, dramatic leaves, Honey Bush serves as an excellent backdrop in theatrical settings or photo shoots to create a tropical or exotic atmosphere.
- Honey Bush can be used in the crafting of natural dyes, where the leaves may impart a range of green hues on fabrics.
- The distinctive, serrated foliage is occasionally used in art classes for leaf-painting activities or to study interesting leaf patterns.
- The silvery-blue foliage of the Honey Bush can be used in ornamental gardens to provide a striking contrast to green-leaved plants.
- Some cultures have used the dried foliage of Honey Bush as part of their ritual practices or in the creation of traditional costumes.
- The seed pods of the Honey Bush are sometimes used in crafting, such as in the making of unique, natural jewelry or decorative items.
- Because of its cohesive growth pattern, Honey Bush can serve as an effective privacy screen or windbreak in landscape design.
- In some regions, branches of the Honey Bush may be used to construct temporary shelters or as part of garden structures and trellising.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Honey Bush is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Honey Bush is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Uniqueness: Melianthus major, also known as the Honey Bush, has a distinctive appearance with its large, blue-green pinnate leaves and red-brown flowers. Its unique aesthetic symbolizes individuality and standing out from the crowd.
- Attraction: The Honey Bush emits a sweet honey fragrance, especially when its leaves are crushed. This sweet scent symbolizes allure and the power of attraction.
- Protectiveness: With its sharp edges and toxicity, the Honey Bush can be considered a protective plant, symbolizing safeguarding and defense against unwanted advances or threats.
- Adaptability: Native to South Africa, Melianthus major thrives in diverse conditions, symbolizing resilience and the ability to adapt to various environments and situations.
- Warning: The toxic nature of the Honey Bush serves as a natural warning signal to animals and possibly humans to keep their distance, representing caution and the idea of "look, but don't touch."
WaterHoney bush plants require regular watering but are somewhat drought-tolerant once established. During the growing season, water every few days to keep the soil consistently moist, providing about 1 inch of water each week. Adjust the frequency to account for rainfall, and reduce watering in the winter when the plant's growth slows down. If potted, ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogged soil, as this could lead to root rot. In hotter climates, you may need to water the honey bush more frequently, but always allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
LightHoney bush performs best in full sun to partial shade. A spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight is ideal, but the plant can also thrive in light, dappled shade, especially in hot climates. Avoid deep shade, as this will result in poor growth and a sparser foliage display. The plant's striking foliage will develop its richest color when provided with ample sunlight.
TemperatureHoney bush is native to South Africa and prefers warm climates; it thrives in temperatures between 50°F and 75°F. It can withstand occasional dips down to about 23°F but extended exposure to temperatures below freezing can damage the plant. The plant is evergreen in areas where winter temperatures remain above freezing, but in colder regions, it may die back and then resprout from the roots in spring.
PruningPrune honey bush in the spring to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Removing dead or damaged stems, as well as any overly long branches that disrupt the plant's form, enhances airflow and the overall health of the plant. Pruning is also an opportunity to cut back any winter damage after the last frost. It's typically done once a year, but you can remove dead leaves or spent flower stalks as needed throughout the growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHoney bush prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a soil pH ranging from neutral to slightly acidic. A high-quality potting mix amended with compost and perlite or sand is ideal for good root growth and adequate drainage.
RepottingHoney bush should be repotted every two to three years to ensure the plant has enough room to grow and to refresh the soil. Early spring, before the onset of the growth season, is the best time for repotting.
Humidity & MistingHoney bush thrives in average to high humidity conditions. It is advisable to maintain humidity levels above 40% for optimal growth, though the plant can tolerate lower humidity without significant adverse effects.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place honey bush in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant honey bush in sun to partial shade, protect from cold winds.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleHoney bush (Melianthus major) germination typically begins with the sowing of seeds in well-draining soil and under conditions with adequate warmth and moisture. The seedlings emerge, developing into juvenile plants with distinctive, serrated blue-green foliage, and as they mature, their leafy growth becomes more robust and architectural. During its vegetative stage, the honey bush invests energy into forming a sturdy root system and foliage, reaching heights of 2-3 meters. The reproductive stage is marked by the appearance of tall, reddish-brown flower spikes that exude a sweet scent, attracting pollinators during the spring and summer months. After pollination, the plant produces seeds that are encased in papery capsules. Throughout its lifecycle, which can be several years, the honey bush may undergo periods of dormancy in colder weather, with foliage dying back, to reemerge in the following growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Honey bush (Melianthus major) is most commonly propagated through semi-ripe cuttings during late summer. To do this, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a section about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. Remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite to provide aeration and moisture retention. Keep the cutting in a warm, shaded area and maintain consistent moisture until roots have developed, after which it can be transplanted to a more permanent location.
