Lunaria annua Alba

The Lunaria annua 'Alba' is a beloved garden classic, prized for the exquisite beauty of its pearly white seed pods. This particular variety is especially remarkable for its copious white blooms in early spring. Often referred to as honesty, Lunaria annua 'Alba' is commonly mistaken for an annual, but it is a biennial plant.

In the first year, this plant produces dark green, triangular leaves that form a basal rosette. Only in the second year does a flowering stem emerge, which can reach up to 80cm (31.5 in) in height. The stem blooms in the early spring, from March to May, and bears a cluster of white flowers at its top. Each flower has 4 cross-shaped petals. After flowering, the plant produces abundant fruiting, with the fruits called siliques. These flat and round fruits measure 4-5cm (1.6-2 in) in diameter and consist of 3 translucent membranes that reveal some large brown seeds. Once the seeds are dispersed, the withered stems make beautiful dried bouquets.

Honesty plants are easy to grow and thrive in partial shade. It prefers rich, moist, and deep soils. You can grow it under large trees or in lightly shaded flower beds along with bulbs like Hyacinths, Daffodils, or Grape Hyacinths. If you want to keep it in your garden, you can either let it self-seed or manually disperse the seeds in your flower beds. 

Please note that our plug plants are professional products meant for experienced gardeners. Upon receipt, please transplant them as soon as possible, either in pots, containers, or directly in flower beds.