Antonow's Blue Honey Bush
Melianthus major 'Antonow's Blue'
From Monrovia's Dan Hinkley Collection is this selected form of the Giant Honey Bush with powdery blue, highly textural foliage along stems to eight feet tall. In late spring, spikes of deep burgundy, nectar rich flowers will attract numerous bird species to the garden. This represents one of the hardiest clones of this species, appropriate in Zones 7 and higher. Prune hard after flowering to rejuvenate from the base. Full sun and sharp-draining soils. Evergreen in warmer climates. Plant the crown three inches below grade to increase general hardiness in colder climates.
| Botanical Pronunciation: | me-lee-AN-thus may-jor |
| Key feature: | Specimen |
| Plant type: | Perennial |
| Garden style: | Tropical |
| Deciduous/evergreen: | Semi-evergreen |
| Cold hardiness zones: | 7 - 11 |
| Light needs: | Partial to full sun |
| Water Needs: | Needs regular watering - weekly, or more often in extreme heat. |
| Average landscape size: | Moderate growing to 8 ft. tall |
| Growth rate: | Moderate |
| Special features: | Attracts Hummingbirds, Dramatic Foliage Color |
| Landscape uses: | Poolside, Specimen |
| Flower color: | Red |
| Blooms: | Late spring |
| Foliage color: | Blue-green |
| Item no.: | 5129 |
| Retailers for this plant: |
Care Information
Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Remove old stems and feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth in spring.
From Monrovia's Dan Hinkley Collection is this selected form of the Giant Honey Bush with powdery blue, highly textural foliage along stems to eight feet tall. In late spring, spikes of deep burgundy, nectar rich flowers will attract numerous bird species to the garden. This represents one of the hardiest clones of this species, appropriate in Zones 7 and higher. Prune hard after flowering to rejuvenate from the base. Full sun and sharp-draining soils. Evergreen in warmer climates. Plant the crown three inches below grade to increase general hardiness in colder climates.
Care Information
Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Remove old stems and feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth in spring.
| Botanical Pronunciation: | me-lee-AN-thus may-jor |
| Key feature: | Specimen |
| Plant type: | Perennial |
| Garden style: | Tropical |
| Deciduous/evergreen: | Semi-evergreen |
| Cold hardiness zones: | 7 - 11 |
| Light needs: | Partial to full sun |
| Water Needs: | Needs regular watering - weekly, or more often in extreme heat. |
| Average landscape size: | Moderate growing to 8 ft. tall |
| Growth rate: | Moderate |
| Special features: | Attracts Hummingbirds, Dramatic Foliage Color |
| Landscape uses: | Poolside, Specimen |
| Flower color: | Red |
| Blooms: | Late spring |
| Foliage color: | Blue-green |
| Item no.: | 5129 |
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The best fertilizer to use with this plant is All-Purpose Plant Food.view soil products