The Story
Plant Bio
A fast-growing, suckering, evergreen sub-shrub or perennial prized for its large, deeply-cut, blue-green foliage and spikes of reddish-brown, nectar-rich flowers.
The large, pinnate, blue-green leaves emit a strong, peanut-butter-like fragrance when bruised. The flowers produce copious amounts of black nectar, attracting birds and bees.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
96 inches
Width
96 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
South Africa
Toxicity
All parts are highly toxic if ingested.
Bloom period
Late spring – Late summer
In flower about 4 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select well-draining soil with neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
- Plant in a location with full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.
- Tuck young plants into a hole twice as wide as the root ball, then backfill gently.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently during dry periods 💧
- Feed with a balanced fertilizer in spring 🌱
- Prune to shape and remove dead or damaged stems ✂️
- Monitor for pests regularly 🔍
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don't use heavy clay soil that retains too much moisture ❌
- Avoid fertilizing in late fall to prevent tender new growth ❌
- Do not ignore pest signs early on ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Giant Honeyflower questions
What zones can Giant Honeyflower grow in?
Giant Honeyflower is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Giant Honeyflower deer resistant?
Yes — Giant Honeyflower is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Giant Honeyflower bloom?
Giant Honeyflower typically blooms in late spring through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Giant Honeyflower need full sun?
Giant Honeyflower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Giant Honeyflower drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Giant Honeyflower handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Giant Honeyflower with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.