Lunaria rediviva
perennial honesty
An herbaceous perennial to 90cm tall, with toothed, triangular-heart-shaped leaves and panicles of fragrant, lilac-white flowers 2.5cm wide in spring and early summer, followed by elliptical seedheads useful for drying
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Brown | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Lunaria can be annuals, biennials or perennials, with triangular-ovate leaves and leafy racemes of 4-petalled flowers in late spring and early summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed in spring or divide in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Transluscent seed pods are excellent for dried flower arrangements
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be affected by club root, white blister and a virus
Get involved
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