A small genus of shrubs native to southern Africa.
Overgrown or ragged plants can be cut to groundlevel.
It is not prone to pests or disease.
* photos taken on Aug 15 2014 @ Rawlings Conservatory, Baltimore, MD
Melianthus major ( Giant Honey Bush )
A perennial, reaching up to 4 feet, or in very mild climates it is an evergreen shrub, reaching up to 10 x 10 feet. It is native to southern Cape Province in South Africa. It is among the most attractive of foliage plants.
The pinnate leaves, up to 12 inches in length, are blue-green.
The deep red flowers are borne on upright clusters during late winter into early spring in mild climates. The flowers attract hummingbirds.
Hardy zones 8 to 11 ( 7 if the roots are protected with a deep mulch during winter ) in full sun to partial shade on well drained soil. It is drought tolerant.
* historical archive photo
'Antonow's Blue'
Reaches up to 8 x 8 feet, with intensely powdery-blue foliage.
'Purple Haze'
Compact and dwarf in habit, reaching up to 3 x 3 feet.
The foliage is purplish-blue.
