Plant honey bush after frost, with the root ball even with the surrounding soil. Leave about 5 to 8 feet between plants.
Plant after frost, 5 to 8 feet apart, at pot depth
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| When | After the last frost, so warm soil can take the roots | Do not set a new plant into frozen ground |
| Hole | Twice as wide as the root ball, and no deeper than the pot | Do not bury the stem deeper than it grew in the nursery pot |
| Spacing | About 5 to 8 feet between plants so the leaves can spread | Do not pack it against a path the suckers will fill |
| First weeks | Water to settle the soil, then keep the first dry weeks from baking the new roots | Do not let a new plant sit bone-dry its first month |
Plant honey bush after frost has passed, so the first freeze is not the first week in the ground. [1] Wait until warm weather holds. A late-spring planting still has a full season to root. [2] Leave about 5 to 8 feet between plants. The leaves are large, and the clump suckers as it settles. [3] Choose a sheltered bed. A new plant still needs regular water until the roots take, even if an older clump later handles a short dry spell. [4] New leaves can be late in spring, so do not assume a quiet crown has failed in the first month.
- Wait until frost has passed. Plant in late spring so the roots take in warm soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, and no deeper than the pot. Set the root ball even with the surrounding soil.
- Leave about 5 to 8 feet between plants. Water to settle the soil, then keep the first dry weeks from baking the new roots.
- Keep mulch a few inches back from the stem, and keep lawn grass out of the root zone.
Sun, moist soil, and wind shelter are on How to Grow Honey Bush.
When should I plant honey bush?
Plant after frost. Late spring is the usual window. Do not set a new plant into frozen ground.
How far apart do I plant honey bush?
Leave about 5 to 8 feet between plants so the leaves can spread. Do not pack it against a path.
Plant after frost with the root ball even with the soil, leave 5 to 8 feet between plants, and water the first dry weeks.
FAQ
Can I plant it in fall in a frost-free garden?
In a frost-free garden, yes. Warm soil lets a fall planting take. Where frost hits, wait until spring.
Do I fertilize when I plant?
No extra feed at plant. Water to settle the soil. Mix a little compost into the backfill if the soil is poor.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] Crocus -
https://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/melianthus-major/classid.78311/ - [2] University of Wisconsin Horticulture -
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/honeybush-melianthus-major/ - [3] PlantZAfrica -
https://pza.sanbi.org/melianthus-major - [4] University of Arkansas Extension -
https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/honeybush.aspx
This note is part of Melianthus Guides.
More planting notes by plant are gathered in Planting Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors