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Melianthus major

Half-hardy Shrub

What is Half-Hardy Shrub?

Spectacular foliage

Striking architectural shrub

Unusual honey-scented flowers

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Please note: This product cannot be delivered outside the United Kingdom.
Description How to Grow Delivery

One of the most spectacular of all foliage shrubs, Melianthus major makes a striking architectural feature that always grabs attention. Massive, deeply cut, blue-green leaves with saw-toothed edges create a dramatic, jagged silhouette. Surprisingly, the foliage has a sweet peanut butter fragrance when crushed. If overwintered with the stems intact, plants also produce strange maroon flower spikes that smell of honey, although it is the sumptuous foliage that makes Melianthus major such a signature plant.

This theatrical plant is a superb choice for an ornamental border or exotic display where it will grow at break-neck speed, becoming a large, impressive feature by late summer. However, it works equally well in a large patio container, where the blue-green leaves create a stunning companion to other exotic plants.

Melianthus major is half-hardy and so will need some protection over winter in cold areas. Alternatively, grow it in a container and move under cover before the first frosts. Height 3m (10ft). Spread: 2m (6.5ft).

Plant height and spread is seasonal therefore we list by pot size rather than a defined plant size. The height and spread of the plant delivered will vary depending on the season, meaning arrival images are an indication only.

Height Up to 3m (10ft)
Spread Up to 2m (6.5ft)

Half-hardy Shrub

patioexotic gardenspecimen plant

full sun

Flowering Months
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1 x 9cm Potted Plant (KF7122)
3 x 9cm Potted Plants (KF7123)

In mild areas, grow in a sunny, warm and sheltered position in free-draining soil. Alternatively grow in a container. Water containerised specimens regularly.

Plants grown in containers are best moved into a cool frost-free greenhouse or conservatory to protect them over winter.

If overwintering in the open border apply a thick dry mulch around the base and protect plants with a layer of breathable insulation such as fleece. In early spring old stems can be removed to stop plants becoming leggy, although this will inhibit flowering. Plants will reshoot from the woody base but are slow to come into growth so be patient.

Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes, etc. are delivered at the appropriate time for planting or potting on. Delivery times will be stated on the product page above, or in your order acknowledgement page and email.

Orders for packets of seed incur a delivery charge of £2.99.

Orders which include any other products will incur a delivery charge of £6.99.

Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products, a maximum delivery charge of £7.99 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered.

Large items may incur a higher delivery charge - this will be displayed in your shopping basket.

Please see our Delivery page for further details, and more information on different charges that may apply to certain destinations.

For more information on how we send your plants please visit our Helpful Guide on plant sizes.

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