Quick Guide: spring/summer, hardy, semi-shade, height: 60-80cm/2-3ft, width: 30cm/12in
No flower arranger's garden is complete without honesty, grown less for its purple flowers than the silvery round seed pods that follow. The biennial Lunaria annua is the best choice as the perennial variety L. rediviva self-seeds very easily and may become invasive.
PROPAGATION Sow seeds in an outdoor seedbed from spring to mid-summer. Thin the seedlings to 1.5cm/6in when they are large enough to handle. Transplant to the growing site in early autumn to flower the following spring.
GROWING Any soil will do. If collecting stems with seed pods for drying, pick in late summer before they are damaged by cold winds.
VARIETIES `Munstead Purple', tall rose-purple flowers; `Variegata', crimson flowers, silver-spotted leaves. Mixed varieties are available.
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Club root causes distortion of roots but does not affect the visible part of the plant. If it occurs, do not use the same site for honesty (or any member of the cabbage family) for three years.
