honey bell-bush

Freylinia lanceolata

Scientific name

The honey bell-bush is a shrub or small tree with a charm all of its own, and attracts hosts of butterflies and other pollinators.

The flowers attract a variety of insects, which become food for insectivorous (insect-eating) birds such as blackheaded oriole, pied and crested barbets, Cape robin and thrushes.

Wind-resistant, frost-hardy and relatively pest-free, Freylinia lanceolata prefers a sunny spot in the garden. It fares equally well in summer and winter rainfall areas. Prune this adaptable plant whenever necessary to keep it neat.

Propagation instructions

By seed

This plant is easily propagated from seed or cuttings. The tiny, wingless seeds germinate readily within three weeks. Under suitable conditions young plants grow fast and may flower within a couple of seasons. Add lots of compost to the planting area and mulch well. Water regularly, particularly if the shrub is planted in a herbaceous border away from water. If you want to harvest seed for propagation purposes, don't cut off the old flowerheads.

By cutting

Take stem cuttings during the warmer summer months. It enjoys moist conditions and is very fast-growing if well-watered. It would be perfectly at home positioned alongside a large dam, pond or water feature, where it could be kept pruned and tidied. If you have the time to spare, try pruning it into a single-stemmed tree.