Lunaria annua Violet | Honesty | Money Plant

Lunaria annua Violet | Honesty | Money Plant

A classic cottage garden biennial grown for both its spring flowers and its iconic, translucent seedpods. Lunaria annua is also known as Honesty or Money Plant, and is a favorite among florists for dried arrangements.

This variety produces charming violet-purple or pure white blooms in spring, followed by decorative flat seedpods that shimmer like silver coins. The plants are easy to grow, self-sow freely, and thrive even in partial shade or poor soil.

Key Features

• Plant type: Biennial (self-seeding)
• Flower color: Violet
  
• Height: Up to 90 cm
• Spread: 30 cm
• Flowering period: May to August
• Position: Full sun or partial shade
• Uses: Dried arrangements, autumn decor, cut flower gardens
• Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained
• Special trait: Tolerates poor soil and shade

Though the flowers are delicate and short-lived, the real treasure lies in the seedpods — each plant can produce 20–30 stems heavily laden with flat, coin-like seed cases. These can be harvested fresh while green or left to mature for a silvery, papery finish.

Sowing Instructions

• Direct sowing: Best sown directly in autumn or early spring in 3 mm deep drills spaced 30 cm apart. Keep soil moist until germination and thin seedlings to 15 cm.
• Indoor sowing: Sow onto loam-based compost; lightly cover with a thin layer of grit. Maintain warmth at 18°C for 6–8 weeks, then cold stratify at 5°C for another 6–8 weeks. Return to warmth to trigger germination. Repeat warm–cold cycle if needed.
• Note: Germination can be slow and erratic — patience is key.

Growing Notes

• Thrives in less-than-perfect spots — including part shade and poor soil
• Avoid excessive feeding or manure
• Minimal maintenance once established

Harvesting & Drying

• Harvest seedheads in late summer to autumn when pods are mature and paper-like
• Peel off the green outer layer to reveal luminous, silvery discs
• To dry: Hang stems upside down in a warm, dark place for 2–3 weeks

Dried seedpods are fragile — handle with care once dried.