The good old honesty (Lunaria annua) has been an important part of the Central European cottage garden aesthetic for centuries. This cruciferous plant, native to southeastern Europe, produces popular, silvery, papery seed pods after its purple spring blooms, which are extremely decorative in flower beds and vases. In garden areas that are not too densely planted, or in vegetable and cut-flower beds, this monocarpic plant reliably propagates itself through self-seeding.
For those who aren’t fond of the traditional, rustic look, this genus offers several exceptional varieties: Lunaria annua var. albiflora ‘Alba Variegata’ and Lunaria annua ‘Chedglow’ are my absolute favorites!
