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 capsules, which become transparent like parchment as the seeds ripen in autumn.
How do I properly care for the silver leaf?
The silver leaf requires sufficient water, high humidity, humus-rich soil and a partially shaded location. Care includes watering, transplanting if necessary and regular checking for pests. After flowering in the second year, it can be cut for decoration.
How often should the silver leaf be watered?
The silver leaf has a relatively high water requirement and should be watered almost daily, not only in midsummer. The watering work can be made easier with a humus-rich soil with a high water storage capacity or with a layer of mulch. Since the silver leaf appreciates high humidity, it should be planted next to streams and waterfalls (€287.00 on Amazon) or next to hedges.
What should you pay attention to when transplanting silver leaf?
Basically, the two-year-old silver leaf can be transplanted well after the first year if it is watered sufficiently in the new location. However, the plant should not be cut back. You should transplant individual specimens of silverleaf if:
- these have sprouted in unsuitable locations through self-sowing
- several young plants growing too close together
- the original location is too sunny and dry
When and how is the silver leaf cut?
Since the silver leaf withers on its own after the second year of growth and its flowering, it does not need to be pruned to control its size. The dry seed heads, together with the dried flower stalks, can be cut off in autumn and used as decoration in the house or in dry bouquets.
What pests occur on silver leaf?
The silver leaf can occasionally suffer from massive damage because the plant serves as a food plant for the caterpillars of the aurora butterflies and various butterflies. You should accept this in the interests of biological diversity and not resort to chemical defenses.
Is silver leaf susceptible to disease?
The silver leaf is relatively insensitive to diseases and is rarely attacked by fungi. Sick specimens therefore usually have to struggle with incorrect location conditions or a lack of water.
How is the silver leaf optimally fertilized?
In nature, the silver leaf copes relatively well with collard soils. In the garden it is sufficient if the soil is enriched with a little seasoned compost.
Is silver leaf hardy?
The silver leaf is hardy outdoors, but it dies on its own in the second year after flowering.
Tip
Thanks to their eye-catching presentation in the flat seed capsules, the silver leaf seeds can be harvested relatively easily and used for manual sowing. The plant usually sows itself in suitable locations if not all seed capsules are cut off for decorative purposes or to prevent sowing.
