About
A self-seeding biennial attaining around 60cm. The heart-shaped leaves have an irregular, white border, the white flowers appear in late spring and early summer, and are followed by flat, circular seedpods. When ripe, the outer covers and seeds fall away, revealing silvery, paper-thin discs.
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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningTranslucent 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
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in-situ in early summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to club root and white blister