Family MELIANTHACEAE
Genus Melianthus
Species dregeanus
SA Plant Number
Basionym Melianthus dregeanus

Melianthus dregeanus is a very hardy, evergreen, drought-resistant, fast- growing shrub that makes a beautiful ornamental feature in the garden. The large compound leaves are neatly serrated, densely hairy and strongly aromatic. The drooping sprays of scarlet flowers are sweet smelling and have abundant nectar which attracts insects, bees, butterflies, Sunbirds and Cape White eyes. It is a beautiful sight when in flower from Nov. to Jan. It bears attractive, downy, papery pods.

This plant will tolerate very hot, dry or cold, frosty conditions and is ideal for a low-maintenance garden. Prune back hard after seeding to keep in shape and to ensure mass flowering the next season. Plant in sun and will do well with normal garden watering.

Size 1.5m

Nectar feeders: The abundant nectar attracts insects, bees, butterflies, Sunbirds and Cape White eyes. This makes it a good shrub to include in a garden purposely intended for wildlife.

Landscaping: Striking and decorative subject for a dry garden. Good subject for a mid-height planting between taller shrubs and perennials shorter than this shrub itself.

Eastern Cape

Natural Habitat Scrub or forest margins or Bushy hillsides, rocky places

Growth Rate: Fast Growing, Evergreen or Deciduous: Evergreen, Hardiness - Frost: Frost Hardy, Plant Type: Shrub - Medium, Position: Sun - Afternoon, Position: Sun - Full, Soil: Well-drained, Garden Uses: Bird Friendly, Garden Uses: Container Plant, Garden Uses: Hedge, Garden Uses: Rockeries and retaining walls, Garden Uses: Small Gardens, Hardiness - Drought: Drought Hardy, Flower colour: Orange shades, Flower colour: Red shades, Garden type: Arid garden, Garden type: Rocky outcrop and Koppie Gardens, Garden type: Wildlife Garden,

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