Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Francoaceae

Genus:

Melianthus

Species:

Melianthus major

USDA Symbol:

MEMA21

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb , Shrub

Height:

300 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may,jun

Bloom Colors:

red, maroon, brown

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, bees

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from the base after fire or hard frost damage.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

Prefers sunny locations in its native range

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily at 65-75°F without pretreatment. Fresh seed germinates best.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI