Various plants are known among gardeners under the colloquial name silver leaf. The best-known representative of these "namesakes" is probably the annual silver leaf (Lunaria annua), which was named after the characteristic shape and color of its seeds.

Silverleaf often self-propagates from seeds

Attention: The silver leaf flowers only in the second year

The care of the silver leaf is basically very easy if a location that is not too sunny, hot and dry has been selected. Since the silver leaf only feels partially comfortable in the pot, it should preferably be sown in the open ground bed. You should be aware that this extraordinary plant, contrary to the deceptive name, only flowers in the second year. However, since the silver leaf of the Lunaria genus is completely hardy, this means no real additional effort. However, you should take this fact into account when planning different flowering times in the bed and also when weeding "weeds".

Propagate the silver leaf by seed

The silver leaf is extremely easy to propagate by seed. After the relatively delicate and subtle flowering, flat seedpods form on the stems of the plant, in which the round, flat seeds can soon be seen. The seed heads, which are initially green, become increasingly brownish and transparent over time. If the seeds fall out when the seeds are ripe, the silvery septa usually remain on the stems for a while. Collected seeds should be kept safe as, unlike the leafy material of the plant, they can be poisonous if eaten. The seeds have ideal germination capacity if they are sown outdoors in autumn and only lightly raked into the ground.

Facilitate self-sowing of plants

If the silver leaf can develop well at a location due to the light and moisture conditions, then the stock usually develops on its own without much effort on the part of the gardener. In order for self-seeding to work with silver leaf, the following advice should be heeded:

  • Dig up the ground before the seeds ripen and open it up for the seeds
  • Cut back or transplant strong-growing neighboring plants
  • do not harvest all seed heads (with the seeds) for decorative purposes

tips

Of course, you can isolate stocks of silver leaf that are too dense or that have sprouted in unsuitable locations by transplanting them to different locations. An ideal time for this would be the autumn of the first year, so that the plants can still root well in the new location before flowering. Make sure you choose locations that are not too sunny and have as constant air and soil moisture as possible.

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Herbs