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Melianthus major

Melianthus major

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PerennialFamily: Melianthaceae

Height: 2.25mSpread: 2m
Tender

Flower colour:

Red

Foliage colour:

Silver

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.

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Melianthus ‘Major’ and wildlife

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

Is Melianthus ‘Major’ poisonous?

Melianthus ‘Major’ causes an upset stomach and is harmful if ingested.

Toxic to:

Is known to attract Cats

Cats

Is known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is known to attract Horses

Horses

Is known to attract Livestock

Livestock

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract People

People