
A luscious, hardy annual or biennial honesty, that forms a bushy clump of chocolate-green foliage, which in late spring and early summer, is topped with loose clusters of pinkish purple flowers.
After these have faded, the seed heads of Lunaria annua 'Chedglow' start to develop, turning papery and translucent, and remaining on the plant for a long time - if you can resist cutting them and adding them to a dried arrangement!
After these have faded, the seed heads of Lunaria annua 'Chedglow' start to develop, turning papery and translucent, and remaining on the plant for a long time - if you can resist cutting them and adding them to a dried arrangement!
How to care for Lunaria annua Chedglow:
Lunaria thrives in partial shade to dappled sunlight, preferring rich, well-draining soil with consistent moisture. These plants prefer slightly alkaline to neutral soils and benefit from light mulching to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming, and allow some seed pods to mature if you want the plant to self-seed for the next season, or for use in dried flower arrangements. Pinching out the tips as they grow will encourage bushier growth. Lunaria may need staking, particularly in more exposed positions.
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming, and allow some seed pods to mature if you want the plant to self-seed for the next season, or for use in dried flower arrangements. Pinching out the tips as they grow will encourage bushier growth. Lunaria may need staking, particularly in more exposed positions.
Sowing instructions:
Sow the seeds straight into a well-prepared seedbed in early summer, planting approx 2.5mm deep. Thin out as soon as they are large enough to handle, replanting the extras so there is approximately 30cm between each. Pinching out the tips as they grow will encourage bushier growth.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.9m
Eventual spread:
0.3m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness:
Fully hardy