About
A hardy biennial, with toothed, heart-shaped leaves in shades from dark green to deep purple. Large, open clusters of pinkish-purple flowers are produced on purple-flushed stems in late spring and early summer, followed by flat, round seed pods that dry to translucent silvery white.
About the 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
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright, Bushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in a sunny or lightly shaded spot. May need support in exposed planting areas
PruningMay be cut back after flowering if seeds are not required, though seed heads are also popular for flower arranging
PropagationPropagate by seed; will self-seed in situ
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to club root, brassica white blister and virus diseases