Lunaria annua var. albiflora
ABOUT
Lunaria annua var. albiflora, commonly known as white honesty, is a striking plant that is well-known for its ornamental features. The most distinctive characteristic of white honesty is its beautiful white flowers which bloom in loose clusters. These flowers are small and four-petaled, creating a delicate and ethereal display in the spring and early summer. After the flowering period, the plant produces coin-shaped seed pods that are valued for their unique translucent quality and papery texture. These pods are silvery and can persist on the plant, providing visual interest even after the plant has finished blooming. The foliage of white honesty consists of large, heart-shaped leaves that are a rich green color. The leaves have a slightly coarse texture and are arranged alternately along the stems, giving the plant a lush, full appearance. The combination of its striking white flowers, intriguing seed pods, and hearty foliage makes white honesty a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance and interest to their landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Brassicaceae.
Synonyms
White Flowering Honesty, White Penny Flower, Moonwort, Silver Dollar Plant.
Common names
Lunaria biennis, Lunaria annua var. albiflora
ToxicityTo humans
Honesty (Lunaria annua var. albiflora) is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. There are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning from this plant, as it is not known to have toxic properties that would cause harm upon ingestion. Consequently, unintentional ingestion of parts of the Honesty plant is unlikely to result in serious consequences for human health.
To pets
Honesty (Lunaria annua var. albiflora) is also not commonly known to be toxic to pets. It does not contain known toxic substances that would typically lead to poisoning in animals. If a pet were to ingest parts of the Honesty plant, it is unlikely to experience severe symptoms or adverse health consequences as a result of the ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Lunaria annua, commonly known as 'Honesty,' is appreciated for its unique, translucent seed pods, which can add visual interest to gardens and floral arrangements.
- Wildlife attraction: The flowers provide nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
- Ease of growth: Honesty is known for its ability to grow in a variety of soil conditions and requires minimal maintenance once established.
- Self-seeding: The plant can self-seed prolifically, ensuring its presence in the garden year after year without the need for replanting.
- Educational interest: The distinct lifecycle and seed pods of Honesty can be fascinating for children and adults, making it a great plant for educational gardens.
- Winter interest: The silvery seed pods persist through winter, providing aesthetic appeal even in the dormant season.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, Honesty can be quite drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lunaria annua var. albiflora, commonly known as the white-flowering honesty, can be used in flower arrangements due to its attractive seed pods that have silver, translucent discs, which add a unique texture and visual interest.
- The seed pods of white-flowering honesty are often used in wreaths and dried flower crafts, as they retain their shape and lustrous appearance even after drying.
- In education, the plant can serve as a botanical example in gardens and schools, where it might be used to teach about plant life cycles and seed dispersal mechanisms.
- White-flowering honesty is a key plant for teaching children about the transformation process from flower to seed pod, which is made highly visible due to the clear, coin-shaped pods it develops.
- The stems of white-flowering honesty are sometimes used in basketry or as a natural decor component due to their strong, vertical form.
- Gardeners might use white-flowering honesty as a natural marker for different garden sections or borders, as its unique silhouette is easily recognizable through the growing season.
- Photographers and artists may find inspiration in the distinct appearance of white-flowering honesty for use in botanical illustrations, photography, or even in fashion design elements.
- The plant's broad leaves can be used in creative ways, such as natural canvases for eco-printing, a process by which pigments from leaves are transferred to fabric or paper.
- White-flowering honesty can act as a natural confetti or table decoration when its seed pods are broken down into smaller, shimmery pieces.
- For those interested in folklore, the plant is sometimes incorporated into traditions and ceremonies due to its association with honesty and transparency, symbolized by its clear seed pods.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe money plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe money plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Honesty - Lunaria annua var. albiflora, commonly known as "honesty," symbolizes honesty and sincerity due to the transparency of its seed pods, which resemble coins, thereby also representing wealth and prosperity.
- Wealth and Prosperity - The seed pods are thought to resemble coins, which is why the plant is sometimes associated with material wealth and the abundance of resources.
- Lunar Associations - Due to its name "Lunaria," it has connections with the moon, signifying mystery, intuition, and the feminine aspect of nature.
WaterFor the Honesty plant, also known as Lunaria annua var. albiflora, it's essential to maintain a balance in watering. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as it prefers consistent moisture, especially during its growing season in spring and early summer. Watering once a week with about 1 gallon of water should be sufficient, although this might need to be adjusted depending on climate conditions and soil drainage. During hot, dry periods, you might need to water twice a week, but always check the top inch of soil for moisture before watering again. Reduce the frequency of watering as the plant goes dormant in late summer or fall.
LightHonesty plants thrive in full sunlight to partial shade. For optimal growth, place your Honesty plant in a spot where it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, but it can still perform well in areas with dappled sunlight or light shade. Avoid deep shade, as this can result in leggy plants and reduced flowering.
TemperatureHonesty plants are quite hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, withstanding minimums down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit up to maximums around 80 degrees Fahrenheit without issue. Ideally, they prefer temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for vigorous growth. Ensure that the Honesty plant is not exposed to temperatures below freezing for extended periods, as this can damage or kill the plant.
PruningPruning Honesty plants is generally focused on removing spent flowers and seed pods to encourage further blooming and to prevent excessive self-seeding if desired. Pruning can be done after the plant has finished flowering, usually in late summer. Honesty plants can also be cut back in late winter or early spring to tidy up the plant before new growth begins.
CleaningNot needed
SoilFor the white form of Honesty (Lunaria annua var. albiflora), a well-draining soil mix composed of loam, peat or compost, and sand in equal parts works best. The ideal pH for Honesty ranges from 6.0 to 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral. Ensure that the soil is rich in organic matter to support its growth.
RepottingHonesty (Lunaria annua var. albiflora) is typically grown as a biennial and does not often require repotting, as it will complete its life cycle in two years. It is usually sown directly in the ground or started in a container and then transplanted if necessary.
Humidity & MistingHonesty (Lunaria annua var. albiflora) prefers a moderate humidity level but is quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of conditions. It does not require any special humidity considerations to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Honesty in bright indirect light, well-draining soil, and average room humidity.
Outdoor
Plant Honesty in partial shade to full sun, in well-draining soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe plant Lunaria annua var. albiflora, commonly known as white-flowered honesty, begins its life as a seed that germinates in spring or early summer. After germination, the seedling grows into a rosette of leaves at the soil level where it develops throughout the first year. In the following spring, the plant bolts, sending up flowering stalks that can reach up to 1 meter in height. The white flowers bloom in late spring or early summer and are followed by the formation of unique, translucent, disc-shaped seed pods that give the plant its common name "honesty." After the seeds mature, they are dispersed, and the parent plant dies, completing its biennial life cycle. The seeds remain dormant until the next appropriate germination period, continuing the cycle of life for white-flowered honesty.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagating Lunaria annua var. albiflora, commonly known as white-flowered money plant, is through its seeds. Seeds can be sown directly into the ground in late spring or early summer, just after the last frost has passed. Choose a location with partial shade to full sun and well-draining soil. Simply scatter the seeds on the soil surface and then lightly press them into the soil without covering them heavily, as they require light to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to encourage germination, which typically occurs within two to three weeks. Seedlings can be thinned to about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow for mature plant growth. It is worth noting that the white-flowered money plant is a biennial, and while it may only produce foliage in the first year, it will flower, set seed, and die in the second year.
