Lunaria annua and l. annua 'Alba'

The pair consists of:

- x 1 Honesty (Lunaria annua) : the wild species with purplish-violet flowers.

- x 1 White Honesty (Lunaria annua 'Alba') : its pure white flowering form.

Lunaria annua is a plant native to southern Europe that has become naturalized in many regions of France. In the first year, it produces a rosette of dark green, hairy, triangular basal leaves. It only flowers in the second year, in spring, earlier or later depending on the climate. Its small, cross-shaped flowers with 4 petals are gathered in generous clusters. Lunaria annua dies after fruiting. It is a melliferous plant.

You will plant your Honesty in semi-shade, in rich and deep soil, well loosened, even clayey and limestone soil. Preferably plant in autumn if you are gardening in the Mediterranean region. In cooler climates, you can plant in spring. Space the plants 40cm (16in) apart. Plant this pair of Honesty naturally: in small groups under your deciduous trees or in partially sunny flower beds. Mix the colours, place the young plants in the middle of bluebells or double daffodils, for example. Let them self-seed in the garden or manually scatter the seeds in your flower beds: you can keep them from year to year.