Honesty
Lunaria annua · Brassicaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant honesty: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring (April to June)
- Adult size
- 60 to 100 cm tall
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (–15 °C)
- Origin
- Central and southern Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, moderately fertile
Care
Exposure
Plant your annual honesty in full sun or partial shade. It appreciates generous light for abundant flowering. It tolerates partial shade well but will flower less intensely.
Watering
Water regularly during growth and flowering, keeping the soil moist without waterlogging. Once established, it tolerates relative dryness. Reduce watering in late summer.
Soil
Prepare well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Avoid heavy or compacted soils. Adding compost in spring improves flowering.
Fertilizing
A balanced fertilizer application in spring is generally sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove spent flowers to extend flowering. If you want self-seeding next year, leave a few seed pods to mature on the plant.
Diseases and pests
This plant is generally resistant. Watch for whiteflies or aphids in warm, humid conditions. Good air circulation limits fungal problems.
Did you know?
Annual honesty is famous for its translucent, silvery seed pods (siliques) that persist long after flowering, creating a light lantern effect ideal for autumn and winter decoration. In the Middle Ages and Renaissance, it was nicknamed 'the Pope's money' or 'papal coins' because of the resemblance of these shiny membranes to coins, and it often symbolized wealth in still life paintings.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.