How to Grow and Care for Honey flowers

Giant honey flower, also called honeybush, is a large, poisonous, and fast-growing flowering plant. It is important to distinguish this plant from Melianthus major, also called honeybush, which is used to make tea. The local name for giant honey flower in its native South Africa means 'herb-touch-me-not.' giant honey flower bears bright red nectar-filled flowers that attract hummingbirds. It is easy to grow.

The Afrikaans name kruidjie-roer-my-nie (herb-touch-me-not) alludes to the unpleasant smell that results from bruising of any part of the plant. The vegetative parts are very toxic, as with other Melianthus species, and extracts of the leaves and stem have anti-bacterial properties.

Melianthus pectinatus is a striking perennial known for its feather-like, pinnate leaves which create a dense textural display. With its silvery-blue foliage, it forms a dramatic backdrop in any garden. Preferring sunny spots, melianthus pectinatus thrives in well-drained soil, and its unique structure allows it to capture and channel dew to its roots, making it resilient in arid conditions.