Overview
Lunaria annua is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Lunaria, part of the Brassicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Lunaria annua grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, woodland gardens and cottage gardens.
About
Lunaria annua, commonly known as honesty, is a bushy annual or biennial plant from the Brassicaceae family. It typically grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full height within 1 to 2 years. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suited to south-, east-, or west-facing aspects, tolerating both exposed and sheltered conditions. It prefers moist but well-drained soils of chalk, loam, or sand, across a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. Lunaria annua is notable for its interest in spring and summer seasons.
About the genus
Lunaria is a genus of flowering plants in the family Brassicaceae. It is native to Europe and has been introduced to North America and elsewhere. Species include:L. annua, annual or biennial L. rediviva, perennial L. telekiana.
Wikipedia contributors, "Lunaria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Lunaria
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lunaria
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Lunaria annua size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Woodland gardens, Cottage gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lunaria annua
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Lunaria annua?
Lunaria annua prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Lunaria annua need?
Lunaria annua is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Lunaria annua grow?
Lunaria annua reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Lunaria annua hardy in the UK?
Lunaria annua has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Lunaria annua?
Seed, Division.
More in the Lunaria genus
Browse all Lunaria →
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