How to Grow Silver Penny

Silver Penny

Lunaria annua

flower

Silver Penny, also known as honesty or money plant, is a biennial flowering plant prized for its distinctive papery, translucent seed pods that resemble silver coins. It produces fragrant purple, white, or pink flowers in spring before developing the ornamental seed pods used in dried arrangements. The plant self-seeds readily and can naturalize in gardens.

Looking for a specific variety?

Lunaria annua 'Albiflora' Lunaria annua 'Corfu Blue' Lunaria annua 'Variegata' Lunaria rediviva Lunaria annua 'Purple Prince'

When should you plant Silver Penny in your zone?

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Example Silver Penny timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Silver Penny
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Silver Penny blooms
Mid-to-late summer

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Silver Penny dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Partial shade to full sun, 4-6 hours of sunlight daily optimal

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Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during growing season. Once established, fairly drought-tolerant.

📏

Spacing: 12 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 150-180 days (biennial; flowers in second year)

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Planting depth: 0.125 inches (surface sow seeds lightly)

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil, tolerates poor to average soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost Aged manure Perlite for drainage if soil is heavy

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9, prefers cooler climates

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

Seedling

2-4 weeks

Small emerging leaves with cotyledons visible; plant develops first true leaves and establishes root system.

Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide indirect light. Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart if direct sown.

Vegetative (First Year)

6-8 months

Plant develops rosette of ovate, coarsely toothed leaves. Growth is primarily foliage with no flowering yet.

Water regularly during dry spells. Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Minimal fertilizer needed.

Flowering (Second Year Spring)

4-6 weeks

Tall flowering stems emerge with clusters of fragrant four-petaled flowers in shades of purple, white, pink, or bicolor.

Stake taller varieties if needed. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage longer bloom. Provide consistent moisture during blooming.

Seed Pod Development

6-8 weeks

Flowers fade and distinctive flattened, oval seed pods form, initially green then turning tan-brown.

Stop deadheading to allow pods to develop. Reduce watering slightly. Allow plants to fully mature on stem.

Harvest & Seed Maturation

4-8 weeks

Seed pods dry completely, turning papery and developing the silvery translucent center as outer layers separate.

Harvest pods when completely dry and papery. Allow some pods to remain for self-seeding next season. Store dry pods indoors.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Forget-me-nots Primrose Hellebores Bleeding Heart Foxgloves Ferns Astilbe Hostas

Avoid planting near:

Cabbage family plants (Brassicas) - may attract similar pests Root vegetables that compete for space

Common Pests

Row covers over seedlings; neem oil spray; encourage beneficial insects; reflective mulch
Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; attract ladybugs and lacewings
Increase humidity by misting; miticide spray if severe; ensure adequate watering
and
Hand-pick; beer traps; copper tape barriers; encourage ground beetles and toads

Uses

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Dried Flower Arrangements

Craft

The silvery, papery seed pods are highly prized for dried arrangements, wreaths, and floral crafts. They remain attractive and durable for months when stored properly in a dry environment. [source]

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Edible Flowers

Culinary

The flowers are edible with a mild, slightly peppery flavor and can be used as garnish in salads or to decorate desserts. [source]

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Home Decoration

Household

Dried pods add texture and visual interest to home décor, used in vases, mantelpieces, and other display arrangements year-round. [source]

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Traditional Medicine

Medicinal

Historically used in herbal medicine traditions for various minor ailments, though modern scientific support is limited. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it valuable for supporting garden ecosystems. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest seed pods in late summer or early autumn when they turn papery and dry. Gently pull pods from stems by hand or cut with scissors. Remove the outer layer to reveal the silvery translucent membrane inside. Dry completely indoors in a warm, dry location before using in arrangements. For seed collection, allow some pods to mature fully on the plant before removing.

Fun Facts

🌱 Silver Penny is called 'honesty' because its transparent seed pods are said to reveal the plant's 'honest nature' - hiding nothing inside.
🌱 The silvery inner membrane of the seed pods is used in some cultures to make lanterns for celebration and decoration.
🌱 Silver Penny self-seeds so readily that it can naturalize and spread throughout a garden over time, sometimes considered a volunteer rather than a planned planting.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Biennial Deadhead Direct Sow Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade True Leaves

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