Honey Bush (Melianthus major): Dramatic Blue-Green Foliage

Melianthus major, commonly called Honey Bush, is a striking evergreen shrub from the Melianthaceae family, native to South Africa. It's grown for its large, pinnately compound leaves with deeply serrated edges, displaying a beautiful blue-green hue.

Growing 6 to 10 feet tall, it produces unusual, nectar-rich, maroon-brown flowers on tall spikes in late winter to spring, attracting birds. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established. A bold architectural plant for Mediterranean or subtropical gardens.

Taxonomic Details