Overview

Lunaria annua 'albiflora' is a herbaceous biennial in the genus Lunaria, part of the Brassicaceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Lunaria annua 'albiflora' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral and slightly alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers and dried flower arrangements. It is native to Europe.

About

Lunaria annua 'albiflora' is a Brassicaceae species grown for its white spring flowers and the paper-like, coin-shaped seed discs that follow. It behaves as an annual or biennial, producing terminal racemes of white blooms in April to June. After flowering it forms translucent silicles with a central, silvery membrane that can persist into winter. Those rounded seedheads are widely used in dried floral work.

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

In the garden

Lunaria annua 'albiflora' belongs to the cabbage-and-mustard family and traces its cultivation across temperate regions. As an annual or biennial it flowers from April to June, setting terminal racemes of white flowers that are followed by distinctive disc-shaped seedpods. The pods dry to reveal a silvery membrane that often remains on the stems through autumn and winter. Allow plants to complete their flowering and seed development if you want the characteristic discs for drying. When the pods are ripe and dry their outer valves fall away, leaving the central, coin-like membrane and the seeds, which detach readily. These dried discs can be cut and used in arrangements or left in place for winter interest. In UK planting they suit informal borders and mixed perennial beds where seasonal self-renewal and winter seedheads are welcome. They are also grown specifically for cutting: leave several stems untrimmed until the pods are fully dry, then harvest the silvery membranes for indoor displays or pressed-dry work.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Lunaria

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil pH

Neutral, Slightly alkaline

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

Sunny

Exposure

Sheltered to exposed

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Lunaria annua 'albiflora' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Herbaceous biennial

Height

0.6 m

Suggested uses

Borders, Cut flowers, Dried flower arrangements

Native to

Europe

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Lunaria annua 'albiflora'

Cultivation

Sow seeds in situ in spring or autumn; prefers well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging

Pruning

Remove spent flowers to prolong blooming; cut back after seed pods have matured

Propagation

By seed

Frequently asked questions