Lunaria Annua

Description

Lunaria Annua, commonly known as the Silver Dollar Plant or Honesty, is a biennial plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This plant is native to Southern and Central Europe and is commonly grown in gardens as an ornamental plant. The plant gets its name from the silver, disc-shaped seed pods that resemble silver dollars, which are produced in the second year of growth. The plant can grow up to three feet tall and two feet wide.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Silver Dollar Plant has heart-shaped leaves that are large and toothed, with a vibrant green color that adds to the plant’s beauty. The plant produces purple or white flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. In the second year, the plant produces silvery, disc-shaped seed pods that are two to three inches in diameter, which adds to the plant’s ornamental value. The plant’s foliage dies back in the fall and re-emerges in the spring.

Care Guide

The Silver Dollar Plant is easy to care for and grows well in most soil types. Here are some tips to care for this plant:

• Water: The plant prefers moist but well-draining soil. Water regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
• Fertilization: The plant does not require frequent fertilization. However, adding organic compost or slow-release fertilizer during planting time can boost growth.
• Soil: The plant grows well in most soil types, but prefers fertile and well-draining soil.
• Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade or full sun, but can tolerate shade.
• Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy to USDA zones 5-8.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Silver Dollar Plant is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, here are some common pests and diseases that can affect the plant:

• Aphids: These small green insects can suck the sap out of the plant and cause stunted growth. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
• Slugs and Snails: These pests can eat holes in the plant’s foliage. Use baits or traps to control them.
• Downy Mildew: This fungal disease can cause yellow spots on the leaves and stunted growth. Remove affected foliage and use a fungicide to control the disease.
• Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the foliage. Use a fungicide to control the disease.

Habitat

Lunaria Annua is native to Southern and Central Europe and is commonly grown in gardens as an ornamental plant. The plant grows well in most soil types and prefers partial shade to full sun. The plant is hardy to USDA zones 5-8 and can tolerate cold temperatures.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Lunaria Annua a perennial or an annual plant?

A: Lunaria Annua is a biennial plant, which means it completes its life cycle in two years. In the first year, the plant grows foliage, and in the second year, it produces flowers and seed pods before dying back.

Q: Can the Silver Dollar Plant be grown in containers?

A: Yes, the Silver Dollar Plant can be grown in containers, provided the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s growth. The plant prefers fertile and well-draining soil, so use a good quality potting mix.

Q: How do I propagate Lunaria Annua?

A: Lunaria Annua can be propagated by seed. Sow the seeds in the fall or early spring in well-draining soil, and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate. Once the seedlings are large enough, transplant them to their final location.

Q: How tall does the Silver Dollar Plant grow?

A: The Silver Dollar Plant can grow up to three feet tall and two feet wide.

Related Plants

• Lunaria Rediviva
• Lunaria Rediviva Albiflora
• Lunaria Biennis
• Lunaria Macrostemma

References

• “Lunaria Annua.” Missouri Botanical Garden, 2021, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c860.
• “Lunaria Annua.” Royal Horticultural Society, 2021, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/13442/Lunaria-annua/Details.
• “Lunaria Annua.” Plant Database, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2021, www.botany.wisc.edu/wisflora/scripts/detail.asp?SpCode=LUNANN.