How to Grow Lunaria, the "Money Plant"
Lunaria or Honesty flowers are commonly called "Money Plants", because their
prolific seed pods resemble coins. They are popular in home gardens and
flowerbeds. The visual display of seed pods turn from green to golden brown.
After the seed pods and stems have turned golden and dried, they can be used
in dried floral arrangements and last for extended periods of time.
Lunaria, or Honesty plants, have large green leaves and is a biennial. Plant
them year one, and they will bloom the following year.
If you want a low maintenance flower, you have come to the right plant. They
are very easy to grow and experience few problems.
Propagation:
Lunaria are grown from seeds. Sow Lunaria seeds (or Honesty seeds) early
in the season, and cover lightly with soil. They germinate easily and will
grow large green leaves in the first year.
Select a location in your garden where they can grow undisturbed for years
and years. After blooming, they will drop seeds and regenerate year after
year.
Tip: Because Lunaria are biennials, if you want flowers every year,
you have to plant them two years in a row.
How to Grow Lunaria Plants:
Lunaria are easy to grow and require little to no attention. They can be
grown in almost any soils and thrive in partial and shady areas. They should
have at least four to six hours of sunshine.
Once your Lunaria is started, you can largely leave it to itself. Water them
only during droughts when the soil has dried out. You can also add a general
purpose fertilizer once a month if growth seems slow and especially in very
poor soils.
Add mulch around the plants for appearance and to keep weeds down.
Flowers grow on long, sturdy stalks. After the small flowers have bloomed
in early summer, flat green pods develop and the seed is inside. Over the
summer months the pods and stalks will dry and turn a golden brown color.
For dried flower arrangements, cut the stalks low to the ground. Work carefully
so you do not break the pods off the stalks. When putting the arrangement
together, trim the stalks to the desired length.
Insect and Disease:
You should experience few insect and disease problems with Lunaria. Apply
insecticide or fungicide only as needed.
More Information:
Honesty This
site by the UK Government database, talks about growing, harvesting and using
the oil of Lunaria for several purposes, including treatment for Multiple
Sclerosis.
How
to Grow Lunaria Plants
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