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Photo by A. Barra

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Melianthus comosus

Also Known As

Tufted Honey Flower

Plant type

shrub, perennial

size

H: 5'-7'
W: 5'-10'

planting zones

8a-11

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Melianthus comosus plant details

Melianthus comosus is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial shrub with green foliage. In summer red flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Melianthus comosus

Plant type: perennial shrub
Plant family: francoaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 5 FT - 10 FT - wide, 5 FT - 7 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in summer
Uses: serrated leaves, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Melianthus comosus

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

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Fantastic FOILAGE on this 5-6' tall woody perennial – a tropicissimo look! Multi stemmed, orange-red auxiliary flowers are unusual and last for weeks mid summer – Sun to light shade, most soils, cut out old stems in spring – dies back to the ground in colder winters – Also thrives in a pot and looks at home in a Mediterranean setting!

By: Secret Garden Growers

This Melianthus is a smaller scale version of our Melianthus major. Growing to about 6-7’ this perennial from South Africa will give your garden a dose of tropical foliage. The flowers are striking & unusual. Large, red flowers eventually become bracts that persist for weeks. The foliage on Melianthus comosus is greener than M. major.