Re: Melianthus at Sissinghurst
Liz wrote:
>I saw M. major growing at Sissinghurst some years ago.
It's widely grown throughout much of the UK nowadays Liz. Folks like
Christopher Lloyd have waxed lyrical long and hard making this species
so 'de rigueur' that no self-respecting gardener would be without. In
mild areas, it grows up to over 3 metres high and produces long spikes
of mahogany coloured, nectar laden flowers which in its native
country, provide a valuable food source for Honey birds and the like.
In colder areas, it is cut back by frost and acts as an herbaceous
perennial, renewing itself from the woody rootstock every year.
If you want the flowers, let it grow and become woody. If you want
the largest leaves to 30" long or more, with the best colouring, cut
it down to around 6" in early spring. Whatever, if the roots are
protected from being frozen through, it is a very hardy shrub
performing best in full sun and providing some of the finest foliage
you could wish for in a garden. Once established, it is remarkably
drought tolerant and although the leaves will not reach their optimum
size in such conditions, they will take on an excellent, almost blue
colouration.
Dave Poole
TORQUAY UK
