Photo of Melianthus major 'Antonow's Blue' foliage by Danger Garden

Photo by Danger Garden

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Buy Melianthus major 'Antonow's Blue'

Also Known As

  • Antonow Honeybush

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 6'-10'
  • W: 3'-10'

planting zones

  • 8a-11

3.5 inch pot | $16

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Fewer than 20 at Secret Garden Growers

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Melianthus major 'Antonow's Blue' plant details

Melianthus major 'Antonow's Blue' is a broadleaf semi-evergreen shrub with blue foliage. In summer red flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - occasional water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Melianthus major 'Antonow's Blue'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: francoaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen blue
Mature size: 3 FT - 10 FT - wide, 6 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in summer
Uses: big leaves, border plant, exotic, serrated leaves, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Melianthus major 'Antonow's Blue'

USDA Zones: 8a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: deer and snail / slug, heat
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

If I could have only ONE plant, this would have to be it! Large, GORGEOUS powder blue, serrated leaves that hold water droplets like sparkling diamonds – Huge burgundy flower spikes after a warm winter… A hardy 'tropical' foliage beauty'! Give it 6'x 6' – Sun to Lt. Shade and decent soil…most soils – large pots too – Root hardy to zero
This form of the Giant Honey Bush or Peanut Butter Plant has evergreen, powdery blue, highly textural foliage along red stems to eight feet tall. In late spring, spikes of deep burgundy, nectar rich flowers will attract numerous bird species to the garden. This represents one of the hardiest clones of this species, appropriate in Zones 7 and higher. Prune hard after flowering. Full sun and sharp-draining soils. Plant the crown three inches below grade to increase general hardiness in colder climates.
An exceptional selection named after a gifted gardener, this Honey bush is reliably hardy and an awesome blue-gray foliage presence in the summer garden.

Gardening facts about Melianthus major 'Antonow's Blue' plant

How to Grow Melianthus major 'Antonow's Blue'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - occasional
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • red
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
    • snail / slug resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen
  • Texture

    • glaucous
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