Honesty
Botanical Name
:
Lunaria annua
Plant Type
:
Biennial
Seasons
:
Spring to early summer (blooms in the second year); seed pods persist into fall and winter.
Sun Level
:
4–6 hours of full sun to partial shade daily
Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting
:
60–70°F (15–21°C)
Soil Type
:
Well-draining, moist, and fertile soil; can do well in chalk, clay, loam, or sand.
Germination
:
14–21 days at 60–70°F (15–21°C); seeds may benefit from cold stratification.
P.H. Level
:
Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–7.5)
Water/Irrigation
:
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged and water regularly during dry seasons.
Fertilization
:
Light feeding in spring with compost or a balanced organic fertilizer.
Habit
:
Upright, branching, and bushy
Final Plant Height
:
24–36 inches (60–90 cm)
Spread
:
12–18 inches (30–45 cm)
Spacing
:
12–18 inches apart (30–45 cm)
Flowers
:
Small, fragrant flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white, followed by distinctive, papery seed pods.
Attracts
:
Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Uses
:
Cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, borders, and dried flower arrangements (for seed pods).
Companions
:
Foxgloves, Columbines, and other cottage garden plants.
Pruning
:
Deadhead spent flowers to prevent self-seeding (unless you want it to naturalize) and encourage more blooms. Cut back stems after the seed pods have matured and dried.
Toxicity
:
Non-toxic to humans and pets.
Pests
:
Generally pest-resistant, occasional aphids.
Diseases
:
Powdery mildew and fungal leaf spots can occur, especially in humid conditions or with poor air circulation.)
Fun Fact
:
Honesty is also known as the “Money Plant” because its translucent, silvery seed pods resemble coins.
Did You Know?
Honesty is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which includes vegetables like cabbage and broccoli.
Botanical Name
:
Lunaria annua
Plant Type
:
Biennial
Seasons
:
Spring to early summer (blooms in the second year); seed pods persist into fall and winter.
Sun Level
:
4–6 hours of full sun to partial shade daily
Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting
:
60–70°F (15–21°C)
Soil Type
:
Well-draining, moist, and fertile soil; can do well in chalk, clay, loam, or sand.
Germination
:
14–21 days at 60–70°F (15–21°C); seeds may benefit from cold stratification.
P.H. Level
:
Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–7.5)
Water/Irrigation
:
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged and water regularly during dry seasons.
Fertilization
:
Light feeding in spring with compost or a balanced organic fertilizer.
Habit
:
Upright, branching, and bushy
Final Plant Height
:
24–36 inches (60–90 cm)
Spread
:
12–18 inches (30–45 cm)
Spacing
:
12–18 inches apart (30–45 cm)
Flowers
:
Small, fragrant flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white, followed by distinctive, papery seed pods.
Attracts
:
Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Uses
:
Cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, borders, and dried flower arrangements (for seed pods).
Companions
:
Foxgloves, Columbines, and other cottage garden plants.
Pruning
:
Deadhead spent flowers to prevent self-seeding (unless you want it to naturalize) and encourage more blooms. Cut back stems after the seed pods have matured and dried.
Toxicity
:
Non-toxic to humans and pets.
Pests
:
Generally pest-resistant, occasional aphids.
Diseases
:
Powdery mildew and fungal leaf spots can occur, especially in humid conditions or with poor air circulation.)
Fun Fact
:
Honesty is also known as the “Money Plant” because its translucent, silvery seed pods resemble coins.
Did You Know?
Honesty is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which includes vegetables like cabbage and broccoli.
