Water
Water Melianthus comosus regularly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feel dry. Reduce watering in winter, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases.
Also known as Honey Flower · Touch-Me-Not · Tufted Honey-Flower
Melianthus comosus is an evergreen shrub with striking grey-green foliage and sweet-scented, maroon flowers that bloom in winter and spring.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
50% intensity
Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry. Reduce in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers average room temperatures; protect from frost.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly in spring/early summer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Melianthus comosus regularly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feel dry. Reduce watering in winter, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases.
Prune Melianthus comosus after flowering or in late winter to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged stems. Heavy pruning can rejuvenate older plants and encourage bushier growth.
Remove spent flower spikes to maintain tidiness.
Propagate Melianthus comosus from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Root cuttings in a well-draining potting mix in a warm location. Seeds can also be sown in spring, but germination can be erratic.
Repot Melianthus comosus every 2-3 years, or when it becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring before new growth begins.
Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one to avoid waterlogging.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Crown Honeyflower (Melianthus comosus)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Geraniales |
| Family | Francoaceae |
| Genus | Melianthus |
| Species | Melianthus comosus |
Similar in genus Melianthus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
