Position

Sun exposure:
Full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in border:
Middle

Soil

Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Formerly grown as a greenhouse and conservatory foliage plant, Melianthus major can be grown outside in mild regions. It has spectacular, grey-green leaves with deeply serrated edges, and occasionally tubular, red-brown flowers in summer. It makes a dramatic statement in a sunny, sheltered border or exotic garden scheme. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Grow Melianthus major in well-drained soil in full sun, ideally against the shelter of a south-facing wall. Alternatively grow it in a container, which you can move indoors in autumn. To stop it getting leggy, cut back in early spring. Protect from winter frost.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyes

Melianthus and wildlife

Melianthus has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Melianthus poisonous?

Melianthus has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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