Lunaria annua var. alba
white-flowered honesty
A hardy annual or biennial, frequently self-sowing, with toothed, ovate leaves heart-shaped at the base, and large panicles of white flowers in spring and early summer, followed by ornamental, translucent seed pods
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Grey Silver | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade; valuable for wildlife gardens
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in-situ in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Translucent seedheads are useful for dried flower arrangements; self-seeds readily, leave in situ if self-seeding is desirable, cut back after flowering if seeds are not required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be affected by club root and white blister
Get involved
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