The silver leaf (Lunaria annua) is often found in nature on the edges of forests and streams. The name of this plant refers to the silver-colored seed pods, which become transparent like parchment as the seeds mature in the fall.

The silverleaf is a very thirsty flower

How often should the silver leaf be watered?

The silver leaf has a relatively high water requirement and should not only be watered almost daily in midsummer. The watering work can be made easier with a humus-rich soil with a high storage capacity for water or with a mulch layer. Since the silver leaf appreciates high humidity, it should be planted next to streams and waterfalls or next to hedges.

What should be considered when transplanting the silver leaf?

In principle, the biennial silver leaf can also be transplanted well after the first year if it is watered sufficiently at the new location. However, the plant should not be cut back. You should transplant individual specimens of silver leaf when:

  • these have sprung up in unsuitable locations through self-sowing
  • several young plants grow too close together
  • the original location is too sunny and dry

When and how is the silver leaf cut?

Since the silver leaf withers by itself after the second year and its flowering, it does not need to be pruned to check its size. The dry seeds can be cut off in autumn together with the dried flower stalks and used as decoration in the house or in drying bouquets.

Which pests occur with the silver leaf?

The silver leaf can occasionally cause massive feeding damage, as the plant serves as a food plant for the caterpillars of the Aurora butterflies and various butterflies. You should accept this in terms of biological diversity and not resort to chemical repellents.

Is the silver leaf susceptible to disease?

The silver leaf is relatively insensitive to diseases and is rarely attacked by fungi. Ailing specimens therefore usually have to struggle with the wrong site conditions or a lack of water.

How is the silver leaf optimally fertilized?

In nature, the silver leaf also gets along relatively well with collar soils. In the garden, it is sufficient if the soil is enriched with some compost that has been deposited.

Is the silver leaf hardy?

The silver leaf is hardy outdoors, but it dies by itself in the second year after flowering.

tips

Thanks to their eye-catching presentation in the flat seed pods, the seeds of the silver leaf can be harvested relatively easily and used for manual sowing. The plant usually sows itself in suitable locations, unless all the seed pods are cut off for decorative purposes or to prevent sowing.

Category:

Herbs