Honey Flower
Melianthus majorfam. Fabaceae
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Pl. A047 — Melianthus major
Melianthus majorMelianthus majorMelianthus majorMelianthus majorMelianthus majorMelianthus majorMelianthus majorMelianthus majorMelianthus majorMelianthus majorMelianthus majorMelianthus majorMelianthus majorMelianthus major
IOverview
Overview
Honey Flower (Melianthus major) is a perennial plant native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. Known for its ornamental value and edibility, it thrives in full sun or partial shade with moist soil, making it adaptable to various conditions from light sandy to heavy clay soils. This shrub can grow up to 3 meters tall and is hardy in zones 7-10. The plant's distinctive feature lies in its nectar production, which attracts pollinators and contributes to its attractiveness as an ornamental garden addition. Its edible parts include the nectar, making it a unique choice for those interested in incorporating unusual edibles into their landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Honey Flower?
Honey Flower (Melianthus major) is a perennial plant native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. Known for its ornamental value and edibility, it thrives in full sun or partial shade with moist soil, making it adaptable to various conditions from light sandy to heavy clay soils.
Compare with:African Oil Bean Oil Bean Tree→African Walnut→Allanblackia parviflora→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Honey Flower (Melianthus major) thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in temperate regions with hardiness zones 7-10. This plant can reach heights of up to 3 meters and is a forb/herb/shrub. For optimal growth, ensure the soil remains consistently moist while providing ample sunlight. Propagation can be done through seeds or cuttings. The nectar from this plant is edible but not typically used for consumption; instead, it attracts beneficial insects to your garden.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
7-10
Habit
Forb/herb, Shrub
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Honey Flower for the first time
8steps
Start with Honey Flower as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or in fall for cooler climates.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with well-draining soil that's light, medium, or heavy. Ensure it gets full sun to partial shade.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep in the ground or transplant seedlings after danger of frost has passed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil dries out. Prune back in spring to maintain shape and size.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth and remove any dead or damaged parts.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too much shade, not providing enough space for its large size.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Nectar
Edible uses: Sweetener
Other uses:DyeFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 5 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 5 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 1 native· 5 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)Spain
Americas1 region
introduced (1)Bolivia
Broader regions
native:Cape Provinces
introduced:East Himalaya, Norfolk Is., St.Helena
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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