Overview
Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Alba' is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Pulmonaria, part of the Boraginaceae family. It typically grows around 0.3 metres tall. Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Alba' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates moist and well-drained soil soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover, woodland garden and border. It is native to Central and northeastern Europe.
About
Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Alba' is an herbaceous perennial in the Boraginaceae that bears white spring flowers. It reaches around 0.3 metres and performs best in shaded, sheltered spots with moist, well-drained soil. Flowering takes place from March to May. Use it as a low ground cover or at the front of a shade border.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pulmonaria angustifolia
About the genus
Pulmonaria (lungwort) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae, native to Europe and western Asia, with one species east to central Asia. According to various estimates there may be between 10 and 18 species found in the wild.
Wikipedia contributors, "Pulmonaria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pulmonaria
In the garden
Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Alba' originates from central and north-eastern Europe and sits in the borage family, valued for its compact habit and white spring blooms. It grows to about 0.3 metres and naturally fills low, shaded spaces where moisture is retained. Plant into moist, well-drained soil with a neutral to alkaline reaction and position in partial shade or full shade; aspects facing north, east or west suit it best. Give a sheltered spot where winter exposure is limited — the cultivar is H7, fully hardy, so it tolerates typical UK winters when established. Keep soil reliably moist rather than allowing it to dry out, especially during establishment. In the garden, Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Alba' works well as a ground cover beneath deciduous trees, in a woodland garden or along the front of a shaded border. Flowering occurs from March to May, offering early-season brightness among foliage. Plant in groups for greater visual impact and to help retain soil moisture at the root zone; at around 0.3 metres high it pairs neatly with taller spring bulbs and shade-loving perennials.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pulmonaria
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- moist, well-drained soil
- Soil pH
- neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- north, east, west
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Alba' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 0.3 metres
- Suggested uses
- groundcover, woodland garden, border
- Native to
- Central and northeastern Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Alba'
- Cultivation
- Prefers humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Avoid dry or waterlogged conditions.
- Pruning
- Remove old leaves in early spring before new growth appears to tidy the plant.
- Propagation
- Division in early spring or autumn; seed propagation is possible but less common.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Alba'?
Prefers humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Avoid dry or waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Alba'?
Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Alba' prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Alba' need?
Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Alba' grows best in moist and well-drained soil soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Alba'?
Remove old leaves in early spring before new growth appears to tidy the plant.
How big does Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Alba' grow?
Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Alba' reaches a height of 0.3 metres.
Is Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Alba' hardy in the UK?
Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Alba' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Alba'?
Division in early spring or autumn; seed propagation is possible but less common.
More in the Pulmonaria genus
- Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign'Lungwort
- Pulmonaria 'Opal'Lungwort
- Pulmonaria 'Trevi Fountain'Lungwort
- Pulmonaria 'Diane Clare'Lungwort