Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Melianthus comosus or Crown honey flower

The genus Melianthus, family Melianthaceae, comprises about 10 species of flowering plants native to southern Africa. Some species are: Melianthus comosus, Melianthus major, Melianthus minor, Melianthus elongatus.

Common names: Crown honey flower, Tufted honey flower, Touch Me Not. This species is native to Namibia and South Africa.

They are evergreen subshrubs with a spreading habit that reach 1.5 meters (4.92 feet) in height. The large grayish-green serrated leaves appear at the tips of the branches; if the leaves are crumpled they produce an unpleasant odor. They produce bright red flowers below the leaves. They bloom in spring. The entire plant is toxic if swallowed.

They are used in borders, in borders, along walls and in pots for patios, terraces and greenhouses.

Melianthus comosus needs full sun exposure and a warm climate. It resists occasional frosts down to -5 ºC (23 ºF).

The soil can be a normal well-drained garden soil with coarse sand and a good contribution of organic matter. Transplant in early spring if roots appear below the pot.

Water regularly, waiting for the substrate to be almost dry. They resist a few days of drought.

Fertilize with manure or compost at the end of winter.

Prune lightly after flowering to control its growth.

They are plants quite resistant to the usual pests and diseases; the young leaves can be attacked by slugs and snails. If they are grown in a greenhouse, they can be attacked by red spider mites if ventilation is poor.

They are propagated by basal cuttings in spring and by division in early spring.

Images of the plant Melianthus comosus or Crown honey flower