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Description
Lunaria Rediviva, commonly known as perennial honesty, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to Europe and western Asia and is commonly grown in gardens for its beautiful flowers and attractive seedpods.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Lunaria |
Appearance
Lunaria Rediviva grows up to 60 cm in height and spreads up to 40 cm. It has heart-shaped, toothed, and slightly hairy leaves that grow up to 10 cm long. The flowers are pinkish-purple in color and bloom in late spring to early summer. The seedpods are flat and round and turn silvery-gray as they mature, adding a unique feature to the plant’s appearance.
Care Guide
Lunaria Rediviva is a low maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:
- Water: Water the plant regularly but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Grow the plant in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Lunaria Rediviva prefers partial shade but can grow in full sun with adequate moisture.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lunaria Rediviva is generally resistant to pests and diseases but can be affected by some common problems:
- Slugs and Snails: These pests can cause damage to the leaves and flowers. Use slug pellets or handpick them to control the infestation.
- Mildew: Powdery mildew can occur in humid conditions. Use a fungicide to control the infection.
- Rust: Rust can cause yellowish-orange spots on the leaves. Remove the infected leaves and use a fungicide to prevent further spread.
Habitat
Lunaria Rediviva is commonly found in woodlands, meadows, and rocky areas in Europe and western Asia. It prefers moist and well-draining soil and can grow in partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lunaria Rediviva toxic?
A: No, Lunaria Rediviva is not toxic to humans or pets.
Q: Can Lunaria Rediviva be grown indoors?
A: No, Lunaria Rediviva is an outdoor plant and requires sunlight and fresh air to grow.
Q: How often should Lunaria Rediviva be fertilized?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can Lunaria Rediviva tolerate drought?
A: No, Lunaria Rediviva requires regular watering and cannot tolerate drought conditions.
Related Plants
- Lunaria Annua
- Lunaria Biennis
- Lunaria Rediviva ‘Corfu Blue’
References
- “Lunaria rediviva.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 22 June 2021. www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/.
- “Lunaria rediviva.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 22 June 2021. www.rhs.org.uk/.
- “Perennial honesty.” BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine. Accessed 22 June 2021. www.gardenersworld.com/.
