Plant Type
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.