Melianthus major 'Antonow's Blue' is a rare and exceptional variety of the striking Honey Bush, offering a superior form of this already impressive shrub. This enhanced cultivar features larger, more dramatically textured leaves in a deep, rich blue that catches the light with a silvery sheen. The bold, deeply cut blue-green foliage, edged with serrated saw-tooth patterns, creates a captivating silhouette in gardens or containers. When crushed, the leaves release a sweet peanut butter scent, adding an unexpected fragrance to your space. While this half-hardy shrub can produce unusual maroon flower spikes with a honey-like scent, followed by papery seed pods, most plants are cut back in winter to protect them from the cold, limiting flowering. However, the striking foliage is the true highlight of Melianthus major 'Antonow's Blue' and what makes it such a standout plant. Ideal for ornamental borders or exotic displays, it grows rapidly and becomes an eye-catching focal point by late summer. It also thrives in large patio containers, where its bold foliage pairs beautifully with other exotic plants, especially those with warm-coloured flowers. As a half-hardy shrub, Melianthus major requires winter protection, such as a thick mulch, or should be brought into a frost-free space, like a greenhouse, before the first frosts. Despite this, its architectural beauty makes it well worth the extra care. Height: 3m (10ft). Spread: 2m (6.5ft). Please note that plant height and spread may vary by season. We list by pot size rather than a fixed size, so the plant's appearance upon delivery may differ, with arrival images for reference only. A superb and rare selection of the Honey Bush, Melianthus major ‘Antonow's Blue’ sports even bigger and bluer foliage than the species making a dramatic and architectural foliage shrub for the border or large containers.
In mild areas, grow in a sunny, warm and sheltered position in free-draining soil. Alternatively grow in a container. Water containerised specimens regularly.
Plants grown in containers are best moved into a cool frost-free greenhouse or conservatory to protect them over winter.
If overwintering in the open border apply a thick dry mulch around the base and protect plants with a layer of breathable insulation such as fleece. In autumn or early spring old stems can be removed to stop plants becoming leggy, although this will inhibit flowering. Plants will reshoot from the woody base but are slow to come into growth so be patient.
