Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 30th Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Lunaria plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
At a Glance: Lunaria
- Plant Characteristics: Lunaria is famed for its silvery, coin-like seed pods. Its delicate flowers and ornamental seed pods have a unique charm, add them to borders or use for flower arrangements.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: This plant thrives in partial shade but will tolerate full sun. Use a moist, well-draining soil.
- General Care: Regular watering helps plants stay vibrant, but avoid overly soggy conditions. Prune after flowering to encourage more blooms.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Money plants are suitable for beginners because of their hardy nature. Planting in clusters can yield a stunning visual impact. While generally easy to care for watch out for excessive moisture, as this can hamper growth. Plants are considered invasive in some parts, so check local regulations before growing.
Honesty, Money Plant, & Moon plant: Cultivation & Garden Use
Members of the Lunaria genus are often grown as hardy annuals in the garden, even though they are hardy biennials or perennials.
They have a bushy nature and reach from 45 to 90 cm (18 to 36 inches) in height.
Lunaria annua - Annual Honesty by Amandabhslater; creative commons.
They have purple or white flowers that set attractive silver coloured seed pods that can be used in flower arrangements.
Lunaria pods by Mangpages; creative commons.
Some of the common names for Lunaria include Money plant, Moonwort, Honesty, and Satin pod.
Lunaria Rediviva – Perennial Honesty by Alexandre Dulaunoy; creative commons.
Commonly Grown Lunaria Species
Lunaria annua / (syn. Lunaria biennis)
Lunaria annua; syn. Lunaria biennis (Money Plant in bloom), photograph by peganum; CC.
Lunaria annua Pods (Silver dollar plant translucent seed pods), picture by James St. John; CC.
Lunaria Rediviva
Lunaria Rediviva (Perennial honesty), Image by Babij; CC.
Lunaria rediviva pods (CommName), photograph by Leonora (Ellie) Enking; CC.
There are also two more, much rarer, species in this genus: Lunaria elongata, and Lunaria telekiana
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Lunaria Plant Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Honesty, Money Plant, Silver Dollars, Bolbonac, Moonwort, Satin flower, Moon plant, Dollar plant, Money-in-both-pockets, Moneywort.
Life Cycle: Hardy perennial. Hardy biennial grown as a hardy annual by gardeners.
Height: 30 to 40 inches (75 to 100 cm).
Native: Europe.
Growing Region: Annuals: zones 3 to 9. Perennials: zones 6 to 9.
Flowers: Summer.
Flower Details: White, purple.
Foliage: Dark green. Cordate. Serrated.
Sow Outside: 1/8 inch (3 mm). Before last frost or in autumn (in warm areas). Spacing 12 to 20 inches (30 to 50 cm).
Sow Inside: Germination time: one to two weeks. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Six or seven weeks before expected last frost. Transplant outdoors following the last frost.
Requirements: Full sunlight or partially shaded. Good drainage. Can survive in dry soils. Supply mulch in late autumn. Rub seed pods to release seeds.
Family: Brassicaceae.
Miscellaneous: Plants have attractive silvery seed pods similar to a flattened pea pod or a silver coin (hence the name money plant).
How to Grow Honesty, Money Plant and other Lunaria Plants in the Garden
Money Plants and other Lunaria members such as Moonwort can be grown outdoors from seed by sowing at a depth of 3 mm (1/8 th inch).
This can be done either in autumn or just before the last frost of spring.
Money plants can be grown in either sunny or partially shaded parts of the garden that have good soil.
Lunaria can easily be started indoors. Plan to start the growing process about seven weeks before you expect the last frost.
The seeds should take about two weeks to germinate at 21 degrees centigrade (70°F).
Once growing transplant the young Money plants at about 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 inches) apart.
Caring for Money Plants, Honesty - Lunaria
Money plants and Honesty are pretty easy to look after. They will self seed, so if you do not require more Lunaria plants in the garden the following year, remove the plants before they shed seed.
It is necessary to mulch the plants at the beginning of winter if you are planning to grow Lunaria as a biennial.
Common Questions
How many members does the Lunaria genus have?
The Lunaria genus contains only 2 species. The most well-known is the Money plant.
Do members of Lunaria make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, Lunaria can make a great addition to a garden. Its attractive foliage, flowers, and unique seed pods provide year-round interest.
Which Lunaria species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
Lunaria annua, also known as Money plant, Silver dollar, or Honesty, is the most commonly grown species due to its ornamental capacity.
Are members of the Lunaria plant genus fragrant?
While the flowers of Lunaria are not typically fragrant, they do have a bright, attractive purple color.
What is the perfect location to grow Lunaria?
Lunaria prefers partial shade and well-drained soil. It is a robust plant that can handle a range of conditions.
Is Lunaria invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Currently, Lunaria annua is considered invasive in some parts of the US, primarily in the Pacific Northwest.
How do I remove Lunaria plants from my garden?
To remove Lunaria, pull up the entire plant, ensuring to get all the roots. Regular monitoring will be necessary as it readily self-seeds.
Summary
The Lunaria genus, part of the Brassicaceae family, includes biennial plants native to Europe and Western Asia. Noted for their coin-like seed pods, these plants are often used in borders and dried flower arrangements, commonly known as Honesty or Money plant.
Lunaria prefers partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil. Regular watering is necessary for optimal growth. Propagation is typically achieved through seeds, sown in the spring or fall.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Lunaria plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Ionopsidium, Yucca Plant, and Iberis plants.
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