Melianthus major is an erect to spreading, evergreen shrub or subshrub with pinnate leaves divided into narrowly ovate, coarse toothed grey-green to blue-green leafs and spike-like racemes of scented maroon to reddish-brown tubular flowers from late spring to midsummer. Plant in full sun in a moist well drained fertile soil. Hardiness: H3, tender in frost. Pruning group 7 or 8. Eventual height of 2.5m and a spread of 2.5m in 5-10 years. RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit).