Lunaria annua subsp. pachyrrhiza

Synonyms

Lunaria annua f. pachyrrhiza

Plants for pollinators
Annual Biennial

An upright hardy annual or biennial to around 90cm in height, with a fuller and more branched habit than other varieties, and oval to heart-shaped, toothed, dark green foliage. Large clusters of lilac-mauve to blue flowers appear in late spring to early summer, followed by flat, round, silvery seed pods. Self-seeds, great as a cut flower and for pollinators

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Brassicaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun. See hylotelephium cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or by softwood cuttings of non-flowering shoots in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back after flowering to maintain shape or leave seedheads overwinter

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to root and crown rots