Honeybush (heuningbos) Cyclopia intermedia
Honeybush (heuningbos) (Cyclopia intermedia) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Fabaceae family, native to Mountains of the Eastern and Western Cape, South Africa (fynbos). It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 80 cm–1.5 m (31 in–4.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
Plan Honeybush (heuningbos) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Honeybush (heuningbos) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 80 cm–1.5 m (31 in–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4–6 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, stems and flowers (fermented for tea) |
| Native to | Mountains of the Eastern and Western Cape, South Africa (fynbos) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Is Honeybush (heuningbos) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; caffeine-free tea.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Honeybush (heuningbos)
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
- caution With English lavender: Acid-loving plants need pH 4.5–5.5, lavender prefers neutral to alkaline soil; one bed cannot suit both. Evidence B
Questions about Honeybush (heuningbos)
- How far apart should I plant Honeybush (heuningbos)?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 80 cm–1.5 m (31 in–4.9 ft).
- Does Honeybush (heuningbos) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Honeybush (heuningbos) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Honeybush (heuningbos)?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Honeybush (heuningbos) flower?
- From about October for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Honeybush (heuningbos) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; caffeine-free tea.
- What grows well with Honeybush (heuningbos)?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
Notes and assumptions
- Bright yellow pea flowers smell of honey in spring. Most honeybush tea is still wild-harvested from mountain slopes, which resprout after fire.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis