Lunaria rediviva
perennial honesty
Overview
Lunaria rediviva is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Brassicaceae family, growing 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) tall and 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide. Upright branching stems carry heart-shaped, toothed green leaves 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long and, in late spring to early summer, loose clusters of four-petaled flowers in pale lilac to white. The flowers are fragrant, with the scent strongest in the evening. Unlike the biennial Lunaria annua, this species is a true perennial that returns from a woody rootstock for many years. Flat, papery seed pods follow the flowers; in this species they are elliptical and pointed at both ends, drying to a translucent silvery membrane that persists into winter. Lunaria rediviva is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9 and grows in part shade to full shade in moist, humus-rich soil. In dry soil or full sun the leaves wilt and scorch. It self-seeds where conditions suit, though less freely than the biennial honesty. Flowers draw bees, moths, and other pollinators, and the dried seed pods are cut for arrangements. Native to damp woodlands and shaded stream banks across central and southern Europe, it is grown in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and naturalistic plantings.
Native Range
Lunaria rediviva is native to damp woodlands, ravines, and shaded stream banks across central and southern Europe. It grows in cool, moist, shaded ground and is grown in temperate woodland gardens.Suggested Uses
Grown in woodland gardens, shaded and north-facing borders, and naturalistic plantings, spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart. The silvery seed pods are cut for fresh and dried arrangements. It pairs with ferns, hostas, and other shade perennials in moist soil.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pale lilac to whiteFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in part shade to full shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Water needs are medium to high, and dry soil or full sun cause the leaves to wilt and scorch. In USDA zones 6 through 9 it is cold hardy and dies back over winter, returning from a woody rootstock. The plant self-seeds in suitable ground, though less freely than biennial honesty. A mulch of leaf mold holds soil moisture and feeds the crown. Established clumps can be divided in spring.Pruning
Spent flower stems can be left to form the seed pods or cut back to limit self-seeding. The dried pods are cut for arrangements once silvery. Old foliage is removed in late autumn or early spring.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fallearly spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons