Lunaria annua 'Variegata' (v)

RHS Plant Profile
honesty 'Variegata'

Synonyms

Lunaria biennis 'Variegata'

Plants for pollinators
Annual Biennial

An upright hardy annual or biennial, to around 90cm in height, with oval to heart-shaped, toothed variegated foliage which is dark grey-green with a wide, irregular creamy-white margins. The foliage only usually becomes variegated in the second year if grown as a biennial. Large clusters of either purple or white 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, Partial shade

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
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade; valuable for wildlife gardens

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in-situ in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

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

Pruning

Translucent 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

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to club root and white blister