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Melianthus villosus

by Johan Wentzel

Common Name
Drakensberg honey flower
Plant Type
Shrub
Melianthus villosus is an evergreen, small, multi-stemmed shrub. The flowers born in summer are beautiful brick-red in colour which attracts sunbirds.
Plant Description

Melianthus villosus is an evergreen, small, multi-stemmed shrub that can reach a height of 2m. The leaves are beautiful, large and compound and the flowers born in summer are beautiful brick-red in colour which attracts sunbirds. Followed by fruit which is tall, papery borne in spikes. They split in mid-winter when dry revealing large shiny spherical black seeds.

It prefers full sun and lots of water. It is best when planted in groups of 3 or 4. It is not suitable as a  screening plant but it is n fast grower. As it sprawls after a while it should be pruned to keep the desired shape. It is  tolerant of frost but not tolerant of drought.

Afrikaanse Naam
Drakensbergse kruidjie-roer-my-nie
Hardiness
Hardy
Position
Sun
Water Requirements
Moderate
Evergreen
Evergreen
Growth Rate
Moderate
Flowering Time
Summer
Flower Colour
Purple
Shape
Round
Soil
Loam
Plant Size
2m
Region
Free State, KwaZulu-Natal
Habitat
Damp spots or along watercourses
Grown by Wildflower Nursery
No

Contact Us

Johan – 082 801 1741
[email protected]

Annette – 082 908 6591
[email protected]

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