Giant honey flower (Melianthus major)

Also known as: Cape honey flower

The giant honey flower, also known as honey bush, is a robust and toxic perennial shrub. Native to South Africa, it is scientifically named *Melianthus major*. This plant should not be confused with the similarly named honeybush (*Cyclopia spp.*), which is used for making tea. Locally referred to as "kruidjie-roer-my-nie" (meaning "herb-touch-me-not" in Afrikaans), the giant honey flower features large, serrated blue-green leaves and produces clusters of reddish-brown or maroon flowers filled with nectar that attract birds like hummingbirds. While it is easy to cultivate, care should be taken due to its poisonous nature and the potential for skin irritation from its sap.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Giant honey flower

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb, Shrub

Plant Height

2 m to 3 m

Spread

1 m to 3 m

Leaf Color

Green Gray Silver Blue

Flower Size

No specific diameter, but the inflorescences can measure up to 30 cm long

Flower Color

Red Purple

Images of Giant honey flower

Quickly Identify Giant honey flower

Robust, evergreen shrub up to 12 feet (3.7 meters) tall with wide-spreading habit.

Distinctive bluish-green serrated leaflets emitting a salty peanut butter aroma when crushed.

Seasonal dark maroon flower spikes above foliage, leading to papery seed pods.

Rootstock can survive temperatures as low as 5°F (-15°C) with proper mulching.

Tolerates minor foliage damage at 16°F (-8.9°C), showcasing resilience in colder climates.

Scientific Classification of Giant honey flower

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Geraniales

Family

Melianthus

Genus

Honey flowers

Species

Giant honey flower

Planting and Growing of Giant honey flower

Care Difficulty

Moderate

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-6 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

Once a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Giant honey flower?

When watering Melianthus major, provide approximately 500 ml of water per session. The aim is to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. The rule of thumb is to water thoroughly until the water begins to drain out of the bottom of the pot, ensuring that the plant’s roots receive adequate moisture without being waterlogged.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Giant honey flower? ›

What should I do if my Giant honey flower is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Giant honey flower? ›

How to save an overwatered Giant honey flower? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Giant honey flower?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours daily

Prefers full sun to partial sun for optimal health. Adequate sunlight ensures vibrant foliage, robust growth, and enhances the plant's natural beauty.

Question 1: What conditions encourage growth? ›

Question 2: How to achieve ideal sunlight exposure? ›

Question 3: Benefits of ideal sunlight? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Giant honey flower?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for Melianthus major is between 60°F to 75°F. This range is conducive to vigorous growth and promotes healthy foliage development. Maintaining this temperature ensures that the plant can perform its physiological functions optimally without stress.

What Soil is Best for Giant honey flower?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Melianthus major thrives in well-drained soils that prevent waterlogging. Ensuring good drainage is crucial as it allows the roots to breathe and access nutrients efficiently, promoting robust growth and vibrant leaf production. While not overly demanding in terms of nutrients, Melianthus major benefits from moderate soil fertility. A soil enriched with organic matter supports its lush foliage development, contributing to its ornamental appeal. A neutral pH level, comfortably between 6.5 and 7.5, suits Melianthus major perfectly. This balanced pH level facilitates ideal nutrient availability, promoting optimal health and minimizing stress on the plant.

How to Fertilize Giant honey flower?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When fertilizing Melianthus major, use a balanced water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Typically, apply about 50-100 ml of the prepared solution per plant, depending on its size and age. Larger or more mature plants may require slightly more, while smaller plants will need less. Be cautious not to over-apply to prevent root burn.

How to Prune Giant honey flower?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Start by removing any dead or damaged leaves and stems. These parts not only detract from the plant's beauty but can also hinder healthy growth. Use sharp shears to make clean cuts, just above a healthy node or bud. Melianthus major can become quite large, so it’s important to keep its size in check. Trim overgrown branches to maintain a pleasing shape and size. Focus on promoting an open structure, allowing light and air to penetrate the plant. To encourage bushy and dense growth, selectively prune the tips of young, vigorous shoots. This encourages the plant to branch out more, resulting in a fuller appearance. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Giant honey flower plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring,Late spring

Collect seeds from mature Melianthus major pods in early spring. Ensure that the seeds are fully developed and dry. Store them in a cool, dry place until you're ready to plant.

Use a well-draining mix composed of equal parts of peat, sand, and compost. Fill seed trays with the mix, pressing it down lightly. Leave enough space for easy watering.

Select healthy 4-6 inch shoots from the parent plant. Make clean cuts just below a node. Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist, well-draining rooting medium.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Giant honey flower plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Melianthus major displays clear signals when it’s time for repotting. One good sign is roots protruding through drainage holes, signaling that the plant is becoming root-bound. Additionally, if water isn’t draining efficiently or the growth rate slows, it’s likely time to repot. Selecting the right timing, preferably in the growing seasons of spring or autumn, will give the plant a better chance to recover and thrive.

Selecting the correct pot is crucial to ensure your Melianthus major continues to grow healthily. Choose a pot that is about one size larger than the current one, ensuring it has sufficient drainage holes. This will prevent waterlogging while giving the roots more space to expand, ultimately fostering robust plant growth. The material of the pot should allow breathability, such as terracotta, which provides excellent aeration to the roots.

The right soil is vital for Melianthus major. Opt for a well-draining loamy mix which supports root aeration and efficient water drainage, preventing root rot. Adding some Perlite or coarse sand can enhance drainage capabilities. This type of soil mixture will provide the right balance of moisture and dryness, encouraging healthy and sustained growth of the plant.

Toxicity of Giant honey flower

Is Giant honey flower toxic to humans?

The giant honey flower presents a significant toxicity hazard to humans when ingested. Each component of the plant harbors bufadienolides, a subclass of cardiac glycosides renowned for their strong effects on the heart. Even minimal ingestion can trigger serious symptoms, which may include cardiac arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially life-threatening disruptions in cardiac function. Every part of the plant is poisonous, leaving no section safe for consumption. Accidental ingestion is possible, highlighting the importance of recognizing the plant's extreme toxicity to avert poisoning incidents. The general public should exercise caution, particularly in regions where the giant honey flower thrives, to prevent any interactions that could result in unintended ingestion.

Is Giant honey flower toxic to cat?

The giant honey flower presents a significant danger to the health of cats, as every part of the plant is toxic. Should a cat inadvertently consume any portion of the giant honey flower, they risk poisoning due to the presence of bufadienolides (cardiac glycosides), which are the cause of its toxic effects. Upon exposure, cats may go through considerable physical suffering, displaying distressing symptoms. In order to prevent serious health issues, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary care if a cat is thought to have been in contact with the giant honey flower.

Is Giant honey flower toxic to dog?

The giant honey flower presents a significant toxicity hazard to dogs. If dogs consume any portion of the giant honey flower, they face a poisoning risk caused by the presence of bufadienolides, which are a type of cardiac glycoside recognized for their harmful effects. Dogs may unintentionally ingest parts of the giant honey flower, resulting in potential poisoning. Symptoms that may develop following such ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, irregular heart rate, and possibly more serious clinical manifestations due to its effect on the cardiovascular system. It is crucial for dog owners to ensure their pets cannot access giant honey flower and to seek prompt veterinary attention if their dog has consumed any part of this toxic plant.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

More About Toxic Techniques→