Melianthus 'major'

**Charles Richard** · #1 September 16th, 2009, 09:25 AM

Hello,
I started a Melianthus (honey bush) from seed this past spring. It has reached
about 4-5' in height. My question is about overwintering it this winter. It is stated that it falls into Zone 7b? I have it a pot. Was thinking about keeping it in a cool greenhouse? Has anyone overwintered one? This one has not yet flowered. I understand that it will probably die back to the ground level and regrow from the base the following year.
Any info. would be appreciated.

**Ron B** · #2 September 16th, 2009, 10:25 AM

Yes: borderline in this region. Maybe keep under cover in pot this year, plant out in sheltered nook next spring. Give it room.

**LPN** · #3 September 16th, 2009, 11:57 PM

I grow Melianthus villosus without any trouble in a fairly open site. This past harsh winter was the first time it died back to ground level, resprouting vigorously this spring. Most years it's just tip growth that needs to be trimmed back. I believe the growing requirements and hardiness of M. major & M. villosus are the same. I never watered mine during the drought this year and it's fine, flowering quite profusely at the moment.

Cheers, LPN.