Photo courtesy of Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.
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#6897
ANTONOW'S BLUE HONEY FLOWER BUSH
Melianthus major
'Antonow's Blue'
AKA: Antonow's Blue Peanut Butter Plant
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Eco gallon Potted
(SKU: 20403)
0 - Available Now -
Details
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List Price $25.00 Per Plant
Hardiness Zone: 7-11 · Mature Height: 3-4 Feet · Mature Spread: 3-4 Feet
Antonow's Blue Honey Flower Bush is pure drama in plant form, delivering bold, architectural foliage that instantly transforms a planting into something exotic and unforgettable. The large, deeply serrated leaves are washed in smoky blue-green tones with softly "pinked" edges, arching outward like oversized feathers. When brushed or crushed, the foliage releases its famously unusual peanut butter scent, adding a sensory twist that never fails to surprise.
This exceptional selection was chosen by the late Steve Antonow, a highly respected Pacific Northwest gardener known for his extraordinary Seattle-area garden. Antonow selected this striking blue-leaved form from a seedling in his own garden, recognizing its superior color, vigor, and overall presence. The ambiguous leaf color can read blue, gray, or even purplish depending on light and surrounding plants, making it a powerful design tool in modern, tropical, or mixed borders. Rain or morning dew only amplifies its beauty, as water beads across the foliage like scattered diamonds.
In warm climates, Antonow's Blue Honey Flower Bush can develop into a bold background shrub, while in cooler regions it performs beautifully as a fast-growing seasonal feature or container specimen. Spikes of deep red to burgundy flowers may appear in summer, adding another layer of interest and attracting nectar-seeking wildlife. Whether used as a focal point, backdrop, or statement container plant, this is a foliage-forward showstopper with horticultural pedigree to match its visual impact.
Family: Frankoaceae · Common Name: Honey Flower
FREE with every plant purchased:
- The Sooner Guarantee: For details, click here!
- A pre-applied, pre-measured amount of time release fertilizer that keeps your plant well nourished for up to one year.
- Pre-hydrated Hydro-Gels are included in the top of each container to use when planting as they help retain soil moisture, and plants will establish more quickly with less transplant shock. Plants will also survive drought-like conditions and accidental missed waterings better.
- Planting and Care Instruction brochure.
- Catalogs of new and exciting plant brands, such as Garden Debut® and Proven Winners®.
We use and recommend www.dripdepot.com for our irrigation needs, from simple to install micro and drip systems, to commercial grade irrigation parts and supplies.
ANTONOW'S BLUE HONEY FLOWER BUSH Plant Characteristics
Brand*
| • | Terra Nova |
Cultural Information*
| • | Leaf Scorch - Moderate Resistance |
| • | Leaf Spot - Moderate Resistance |
| • | Powdery Mildew - Moderate Resistance |
| • | Root Rot - Low Resistance |
Flower Color*
| • | Red |
Growth Habit*
| • | Ornamental/Medium Growing |
Growth Rate*
| • | Slow |
Leaf Type*
| • | Deciduous/Herbaceous |
Nature Assets*
| • | Deer Resistant |
Plant Type*
| • | Perennial |
Preferred Soil Conditions*
| • | Adapts Well to Most Soil Types |
| • | Average |
| • | Low Water Use |
| • | Prefers Dry Soils |
| • | Prefers Low pH (Acidic Soils) |
| • | Tolerates Low pH (Acidic Soils) |
| • | Well-Drained |
Propagation Methods*
| • | Cuttings or Divisions |
Season of Interest*
| • | Early Spring |
| • | Fall |
| • | Late Spring/Early Summer |
| • | Late Summer/Early Autumn |
| • | Spring |
| • | Spring Flowering |
| • | Summer |
| • | Winter |
| • | Year-Round |
Sun Exposure*
| • | Prefers Morning Sun Only in Northern States |
| • | Prefers Dappled Shade in Southern States |
Uses*
| • | Accent Plant |
| • | Border Plant |
| • | Erosion Control |
| • | Groundcover |
| • | Mass Planting |
| • | Rock Gardens |
| • | Under Power Lines |
| • | Understory Planting |
| • | Wildlife Habitat |
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ANTONOW'S BLUE HONEY FLOWER BUSH Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips
- Recommended Soil:
- Well-drained soil is essential for long-term success.
- Performs well in average to rich soils with good drainage.
- Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils, especially in winter.
- Sun Exposure:
- Full sun to mostly sun provides best foliage color and vigor.
- Tolerates light shade but may grow more loosely.
- Bright light enhances leaf color and overall structure.
- Irrigation Needs:
- Water regularly during establishment.
- Once established, tolerates occasional drought.
- Reduce watering in cooler seasons to prevent crown rot.
- Feeding & Nutrients:
- Apply compost or a balanced fertilizer in spring.
- Moderate feeding supports strong foliage growth.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can weaken stems.
- Pruning & Maintenance:
- Cut back hard after flowering or in late winter to refresh growth.
- In colder climates, cut to the ground after frost damage occurs.
Interesting Notes About ANTONOW'S BLUE HONEY FLOWER BUSH
- A Gardener's Legacy: 'Antonow's Blue' was selected by the late Steve Antonow, a respected plantsman from the Seattle area celebrated for his exceptional personal garden.
- Chosen From a Seedling: This cultivar was not bred in a lab but discovered as a superior seedling, selected for its remarkable blue foliage and strong garden performance.
- The Peanut Butter Plant: The foliage releases a distinctive peanut butter–like scent when touched, a signature trait that makes this plant instantly memorable.
- One of the Hardiest Forms Available: 'Antonow's Blue' is widely regarded as one of the most cold-tolerant selections of Melianthus major, especially when planted deeply in well-drained soil.
- A Magnet for Nectar Feeders: Its deep red, nectar-rich flowers attract birds and other pollinators, adding ecological value to its bold ornamental appeal.
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