Lunaria

The Lunaria genus includes 3 species of herbaceous biennial and perennial erect plants. In place of the flowers blooming all spring, silvery pods are formed-fruits that open in two falling leaves, after which a rounded silver-white partition with seeds, similar to the moon, remains. They are appreciated in compositions of dried flowers. The Lunaria annua (Lunaria annua) - a species up to 1 m tall, with oblong heart-shaped irregularly serrate leaves and fragrant low-decorative purple or white flowers, they are also crimson and blue in color. The leaves of one of the varieties are characterized by a white border. The fruits of the Lunaria are called "papal coins" in Europe. L. rediviva is a perennial species up to 1.2 m tall, with ovate, heart-shaped or ovate-lanceolate leaves at the base and purple or white flowers. They are smaller than that of the annual Lunaria, and are collected in a complex brush, their aroma resembles the smell of violets. The fruits are not as decorative as those of the annual Lunaria.

The Lunaria genus includes 3 species of herbaceous biennial and perennial erect plants. In place of the flowers blooming all spring, silvery pods are formed-fruits that open in two falling leaves, after which a rounded silver-white partition with seeds, similar to the moon, remains. They are appreciated in compositions of dried flowers.

The Lunaria annua (Lunaria annua) - a species up to 1 m tall, with oblong heart-shaped irregularly serrate leaves and fragrant low-decorative purple or white flowers, they are also crimson and blue in color. The leaves of one of the varieties are characterized by a white border. The fruits of the Lunaria are called "papal coins" in Europe.

L. rediviva is a perennial species up to 1.2 m tall, with ovate, heart-shaped or ovate-lanceolate leaves at the base and purple or white flowers. They are smaller than that of the annual Lunaria, and are collected in a complex brush, their aroma resembles the smell of violets. The fruits are not as decorative as those of the annual Lunaria.

Cultivation

Plants of the genus Lunaria are grown in the open ground in flower beds, in mixborders, used for dry bouquets and making winter compositions. Plants are planted at a distance of 30-60 cm from each other. In spring and early summer, during flowering, once every 20-30 days, a mineral complex fertilizer is added to the water for irrigation in the amount of 10-20 g per bucket. The shoots are cut by autumn, when the pods ripen, and dried in a warm room.

Location

Plants prefer a semi-shady place.

Temperature

Lunaria is not a capricious plant in relation to air temperature. In temperate climates, it winters in the ground without shelter.

Watering

During the active development of plants, water regularly so that the ground is always moist.

Care

Remove damaged dried shoots.

Reproduction

Propagate by sowing seeds in May-June in the ground, on a permanent landing site. Later, the shoots are thinned out, unpicked. At the end of summer, stronger plants can also be transplanted. The Lunaria blooms next spring.

Diseases

Plants are afraid of white rust, which affects both shoots and leaves. In this case, the treatment is carried out with appropriate preparations.

Acquisition

During the purchase, make sure that the compact and well-formed plant does not have traces of white rust.

How to dye and dry lunaria fruits Lunaria pods can even be painted, getting a kind of "coins" that shimmer in different shades. In order to successfully color the fruit, you should cut the shoots before the pods are fully ripe, it is better to do this in the morning. The stems are immersed 10-15 cm in water, having previously diluted aniline dye of the desired color in it, and left there for 2-3 days. Then they are tied up in bouquets and hung upside down to dry in a ventilated and semi-darkened room. If you want to use naturally colored pods, cut off the stems when they are completely dry. to the root. To get iridescent dried pods, you need to reduce watering during the ripening period.

How to dye and dry lunaria fruits

Lunaria pods can even be painted, getting a kind of "coins" that shimmer in different shades. In order to successfully color the fruit, you should cut the shoots before the pods are fully ripe, it is better to do this in the morning. The stems are immersed 10-15 cm in water, having previously diluted aniline dye of the desired color in it, and left there for 2-3 days. Then they are tied up in bouquets and hung upside down to dry in a ventilated and semi-darkened room. If you want to use naturally colored pods, cut off the stems when they are completely dry. to the root. To get iridescent dried pods, you need to reduce watering during the ripening period.