Melianthus villosus

Also Known As

Honeybush

Plant type

shrub, perennial

size

H: 4'-6'
W: 2'-5'

planting zones

8a-11

More Options

Melianthus villosus plant details

Melianthus villosus is a broadleaf deciduous or semi-evergreen perennial shrub with blue and green foliage. In summer burgundy flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Melianthus villosus

Plant type: perennial shrub
Plant family: francoaceae
Foliage: deciduous or semi-evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 2 FT - 5 FT - wide, 4 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: burgundy blooms in summer
Uses: big leaves, exotic, serrated leaves, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Melianthus villosus

USDA Zones: 8a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Another species of my favorite genus! This one is a little smaller than M. major, forming clumps 4-5’...fabulous blue green serrated foliage lends a tropical look. Sun to part shade, average garden soil, enjoys regular water. Maroon flowers after warm winters. Rare and choice! Do not cut back in fall! Wait till you see new growth in spring.

By: Secret Garden Growers

Hardier than Melianthus major and more suited to your average garden size , this is completely cool. Green to blue green foliage on 3'-5' stems with quietly exotic black purple-maroon flowers and wild light green seed pots. Foliage smells of Hazelnuts. Good drainage.

By: Far Reaches Farm

Everyone loves Melianthus major until -oops - it gets, like, 12’ tall x 10’ feet wide! Melianthus villosus has a much more realistic size for the average garden, quickly growing to 3’ - 5’ tall x 3’ wide. M. villosus is hardier, too, returning from the roots when it drops down to 10 - 15 °F The large, serrated, tropical-looking, blue-green leaves are invaluable for providing beautiful, evergreen foliage in the garden & smell of hazelnuts, too. The maroon flowers with chocolate bracts are rather so-so but the bright, apple-green, inflated seed pods that follow are totally fun & make fab material for flower arrangers. A striking container subject too! EASY, TOUGH & ADAPTABLE. Well-drained soil is best.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

More subtle than 'Antonow's Blue' but having a beauty of its own with deeply veined green leaves and curious looking green flowers. 2' wide by 4' tall.