Melianthus major - advice please

[Paul S]

Thanks for that. I know for a fact that one of mine does well if planted deeply as it got buried by spoil following my beloved badgers making a new entrance into their sett. It actually disappeared fro a couple of years but is now back quite strongly.

[AndyC]

All interesting info, thanks. When I cut the stem back might I get more new shoots if I leave a few inches of stem above the current soil level and then earth it up?

[Chad]

Personally I think you have missed the best time to stool it this year, I would let it flower now.

It is probably safe to cut it back now, but there will be an awkward pause while you wait in hopeful expectation for new basal shoots.

Seed set is poor but not impossible. I think they are sunbird pollinated in habitat.

Next late winter I would cut it down to a few inches and leave it alone.

Why do you want to earth it up?

Chad

[charlie]

I am remembering an unpleasant smell from the flowers? but its been so long since I last got to see one in flower I may be misremembering!

[Paul S]

The leaves, certainly. Smell is an odd thing. Some people say the leaves smell of roast beef, some say peanuts. To me it is the rancid mess at the bottom of the bird feeder.

[Chad]

Did you succeed with propagating the superior form Paul?

Chad

[Paul S]

No. Failed miserably. Then lockdowns, then sister and BIL have been plagued with health issues. I kind of forgot.

[Chad]

Shame.

As far as I can see the named forms aren't in commerce in the UK yet. Wisley has an 'Antonow's Blue', but it isn't 'getting out' from there!

Chad

[MartinNicklin]

Paul is that your plant in your original post or is it a photo you found of Purple Haze? If it's your plant it's certainly most handsome. TBH I've never really been struck by them but a friend of mine has a decent one ... but nothing as striking as the plant in your picture!

[Paul S]

Martin, sadly not just picked nicked off the internet. Wisley have 'Purple Haze', too, but I think I'd need to make a better friend of Matt Pottage to get material! He is due to visit this spring and I have gifts to shower upon him!