Honey Bush (Melianthus major)

It was another nice sunny day today.  We saw Dennis, Kathy P., Cindy, Bill O., Maury, Larry H., Amy H. and Peg today.  The weather was nice for some gardening efforts and continued efforts on taking down elements of the Holiday Light Show (HLS).  I’m frantically finishing spring ordering and getting ready for lots of looming events.  Our March 17th Symposium is coming up soon and features Richard Hawke (Chicago Botanic Garden) talking about his favorite perennials, Megan Cain (author of the Creative Vegetable Gardener) talking about herbs and I’ll finish up the day discussing ideas for incorporating interesting hardscape elements in to the landscape.  Check out our website for more information on this event and register while space is still available.

I’m not sure if I’ve blogged about honey bush (Melianthus major) in the past but I’ve always been a fan of this South African plant for its beautiful foliage and impact out in the gardens.  Some great references describing this plant include https://wimastergardener.org/article/honeybush-melianthus-major/ and http://www.hortmag.com/plants/collectors-choice/melianthus-major.  In our hot summers, they will gain some size but are really only at their best from June through late September out in the gardens and should be brought in for winter.  I’ve seen it out in California at 15′ tall with maroon blossoms but it is much more restrained in our limited period of warm weather.  The photos should sell you on it though!