Melianthus major
Peanutbutter or honey bush (Melianthus major) is a striking shrub native to South Africa. It grows to a height and width of 4 m/12 ft. And what a sight to see when this bold plant is blooming - high drama with an edge. Flowers the colour of dried blood curve on the end of pink stalks. Its deeply incised leaves with their jagged-edged leaflets shock you with their colour - a powder blue. But beware. Every part of this plant is extremely toxic. It takes only a small amount to poison you.
This semi-evergreen perennial has foliage that smells like peanut butter and flowers with a honey fragrance. It is a rare treat to see a peanutbutter bush in flower in Vancouver. Despite being a tough plant, it’s been shy to flower here. Not anymore though. It is now flowering for the first time in our Fragrance Garden at VanDusen. The photos were taken there in July 2024.
Peanutbutter bush is easy to grow. It likes well-drained soil and flourishes in full sun in an area protected from winds. In a hot climate, it is best in partial shade. Even if you never see one bloom, it is worth growing just for its foliage alone.
Text and photos by Hughie Jones