Overview
Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Azurea' is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Pulmonaria, part of the Boraginaceae family. It typically grows around 0.3 metres tall. Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Azurea' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates well-drained and humus-rich 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 north eastern Europe.
About
Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Azurea' is an herbaceous perennial in the Boraginaceae that produces vivid blue spring flowers. It grows to about 0.3 metres and forms a low mound of basal leaves. Best placed in shade or partial shade where soil remains moist and rich in humus. Flowering occurs March to May.
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 'Azurea' is a narrow-leaved lungwort from central and north eastern Europe, grown for its concentrated display of blue flowers in spring. Flowering is confined to March to May, when the plant reliably lights up shaded corners. The species sits at about 0.3 metres high and remains low to the ground, making it suitable where height is limited. Plant in partial shade or full shade on well-drained but moisture-retentive, humus-rich soil; the plant prefers neutral to alkaline conditions. It is winter-hardy to H7, so it tolerates exposed UK winters without special protection provided soil does not dry out. Maintain an open, leaf-mould layer to retain moisture and feed the root zone rather than the canopy. Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Azurea' works well as a ground cover between deciduous shrubs, in a shaded border or a woodland garden where spring light reaches the soil. Position it where spring flowers can be enjoyed close to paths or seating. After the flowering period, the leaves continue to define the bed until summer senescence; in shade it will hold its place while later summer planting fills the space.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pulmonaria
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, humus-rich
- Soil pH
- neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Azurea' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 0.3 metres
- Suggested uses
- groundcover, woodland garden, border
- Native to
- Central and north eastern Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Azurea'
- Cultivation
- Prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Avoid dry or waterlogged conditions.
- Pruning
- Remove old leaves before flowering to tidy the plant and encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation is possible but less common.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Azurea'?
Prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Avoid dry or waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Azurea'?
Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Azurea' prefers partial shade and shade.
What soil does Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Azurea' need?
Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Azurea' grows best in well-drained and humus-rich soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Azurea'?
Remove old leaves before flowering to tidy the plant and encourage fresh growth.
How big does Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Azurea' grow?
Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Azurea' reaches a height of 0.3 metres.
Is Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Azurea' hardy in the UK?
Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Azurea' 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 'Azurea'?
Division in 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