How to Grow a Silver Dollar Plant Like a Pro (Even If You're a Beginner!)

The Silver Dollar Plant—also known as Lunaria annua, Honesty, or Money Plant—is a charming addition to any garden. With its fragrant purple blooms and striking translucent seed pods that resemble silver coins, this plant brings beauty and whimsy to borders, containers, and wildflower patches. As a long-time gardener, I’ve grown silver dollar plants in various climates and soils, and I can say with confidence: with the right knowledge, anyone can cultivate this plant successfully.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from planting and propagation to caring for and harvesting those iconic “silver dollars.”

Table of Contents

Understanding the Silver Dollar Plant: Nature and Characteristics

Before you plant a silver dollar, it’s helpful to understand what kind of plant you’re dealing with. Lunaria annua is a biennial, meaning its life cycle spans two years. In its first year, it focuses on growing lush green foliage. In the second year, it produces vibrant purple (or sometimes white) flowers, followed by the silvery seed pods that give the plant its name.

Native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, the silver dollar plant thrives in temperate regions and adapts well to a variety of garden settings. It’s often grown for ornamental purposes, particularly in dried flower arrangements due to the long-lasting appeal of the seed pods. The plant can reach a height of 2 to 3 feet and has heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges.

While it’s often mistaken for a perennial, most gardeners grow it as a self-seeding biennial. That means once you get it established, it can come back year after year with minimal effort—an ideal characteristic for low-maintenance gardens.

Reference: Royal Horticultural Society – Lunaria annua profile

Choosing the Right Location and Soil

The silver dollar plant is versatile, but it does have its preferences when it comes to sunlight and soil conditions. In my experience, the best results come from planting it in partial shade to full sun. While it can tolerate full shade, the blooms and seed production will be less vigorous.

As for soil, well-draining soil enriched with compost or organic matter is ideal. It doesn’t require overly fertile soil, but it should not sit in waterlogged conditions. Sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH tend to work best.

In terms of garden placement, I recommend choosing a spot where the seed pods will catch the light—this truly brings out their shimmery, coin-like quality. Additionally, since it self-seeds easily, consider planting it in a location where spreading won’t be a problem.

Tip: If you’re growing silver dollar plants in containers, make sure the pot has good drainage holes and use a lightweight potting mix.

Starting from Seed: Sowing and Germination Tips

Silver dollar plants are best grown from seed. You can start them either indoors in early spring or directly sow them outdoors in late spring to early summer.

If sowing indoors, plant the seeds in seed trays or small pots about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Press the seeds lightly into the soil—don’t bury them too deep, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and place the trays in a bright, warm area.

Germination typically occurs within 14 to 21 days. Once the seedlings develop two sets of true leaves, you can harden them off by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions before transplanting them into your garden.

If sowing directly outdoors, loosen the soil and remove any weeds. Scatter the seeds and press them gently into the soil surface. Water them lightly and keep the area moist until seedlings emerge.

Spacing: I recommend spacing the plants about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.

Reference: University of Wisconsin Horticulture – Lunaria annua

Caring for the Silver Dollar Plant: Watering, Fertilizing, and Pruning

Once established, the silver dollar plant is quite low maintenance, but it still benefits from consistent care—especially in its first year.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist during germination and early growth stages. Once matured, the plant is relatively drought-tolerant but will perform best with regular watering during dry periods. Avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew and other fungal issues.

Fertilizing: These plants don’t require heavy feeding. However, adding a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost in early spring can encourage lush growth and strong blooming. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leaf production and fewer flowers.

Pruning: You don’t need to prune silver dollar plants heavily. Simply remove any dead or diseased leaves as needed. If you want to control self-seeding, be sure to cut back the seed pods before they dry out and scatter. However, if you’re growing them specifically for the pods, allow them to mature fully before harvesting.

In my garden, I usually let a few plants go to seed each year while harvesting the rest. This creates a beautiful balance of control and natural propagation.

Dealing with Pests and Diseases

Silver dollar plants are generally hardy, but like any plant, they can fall victim to pests and diseases. The most common issues I’ve encountered include:

Aphids: These tiny insects suck the sap from the plant and can cause stunted growth. A strong blast of water or an organic insecticidal soap usually keeps them under control.
Slugs and Snails: Especially during wet weather, these pests may chew on young seedlings. Use crushed eggshells, copper tape, or organic slug pellets around your plants.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease causes a white, powdery coating on leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk.

Overall, the plant is not highly susceptible to disease, making it a great choice for organic gardeners and beginners alike.

Harvesting and Preserving Silver Dollar Seed Pods

One of the most delightful features of the silver dollar plant is its seed pod, which dries into a pearlescent disk perfect for floral arrangements and crafts.

To harvest the seed pods, wait until the plant has finished flowering and the pods have turned brown and papery. This typically happens in late summer to early fall. Using garden scissors, snip the stems at the base and bring them indoors to dry further.

Gently rub away the outer casing of the pod to reveal the shimmering silver disk inside. Be careful—the seeds are nestled between the layers, so if you’re looking to replant, save a few pods and store them in a cool, dry place.

These dried seed pods can last for years in decorative displays, and they also make wonderful gifts for fellow gardeners.

Encouraging Natural Reseeding and Companion Planting

If you enjoy a naturalized garden look, you’ll love how the silver dollar plant reseeds itself. Simply allow a few pods to fall and decompose in the garden bed, and you’ll likely see new seedlings the following spring.

That said, it’s wise to monitor where the seedlings emerge to prevent overcrowding or invasion into unwanted areas. You can always thin out or transplant excess seedlings.

As for companions, silver dollar plants pair beautifully with:

Spring bulbs like daffodils and tulips
Shasta daisies or coneflowers
Hostas and ferns in partial shade
Snapdragons or foxgloves for vertical interest

Their seed pods also make a lovely backdrop for more delicate annuals.

Final Thoughts: Why Every Garden Needs a Silver Dollar Plant

Growing the silver dollar plant offers a satisfying experience from seed to harvest. It teaches patience (with its biennial life cycle), provides seasonal beauty, and offers long-lasting decorative elements with minimal fuss. Whether you’re a new gardener or a seasoned green thumb, Lunaria annua is a rewarding plant to add to your landscape.

Personally, I find joy in watching the silver seed pods sway in the breeze, catching the sun like little coins dancing in the air. If you give this plant the right start, it will give back to your garden year after year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another name for the silver dollar plant?
The silver dollar plant is also known as Lunaria annua, honesty, or the money plant. These names refer to its round, silvery seed pods that resemble coins. While “money plant” is a term shared with other species, in gardening contexts it often specifically refers to Lunaria annua.

Why is the plant called honesty?
The silver dollar plant is called “honesty” because of its translucent seed pods, which symbolize openness and truth. When the outer layers peel away, they reveal a silvery, coin-like membrane—offering a “truth laid bare” appearance, which inspired the symbolic name, especially in historical and literary contexts.

Where do silver dollar plants grow?
Silver dollar plants thrive in temperate climates and are native to southeastern Europe and western Asia. They grow well in gardens across the U.S., U.K., and similar regions, preferring partial shade to full sun and well-draining soil. They’re often seen in cottage gardens, borders, and wildflower meadows.

How do you take care of a silver dollar plant?
To care for a silver dollar plant, provide well-drained soil, moderate watering, and partial sun. It requires minimal fertilization and benefits from occasional deadheading. While it’s a biennial, it reseeds easily, allowing it to return annually. Protect young plants from pests like slugs and aphids for healthy growth.

What are the benefits of dollar plant?
The silver dollar plant offers ornamental value, especially through its unique, coin-shaped seed pods used in dried arrangements. It’s low-maintenance, self-seeding, and attracts pollinators like bees. Symbolically, it represents prosperity and honesty, making it a popular gift plant. It also enhances garden aesthetics with vibrant flowers and unique texture.