About
A clump-forming herbaceous perennial 30cm high with deciduous, narrow, hairy, dark green leaves, and dark pink-red buds opening to bright purplish-blue flowers from early to late spring; bees may visit the flowers.
About the genus
Pulmonaria can be herbaceous or semi-evergreen rhizomatous perennials with terminal clusters of funnel-shaped flowers in late winter or early spring, and often strikingly patterned leaves developing in summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in partial shade or full shade in well-drained humus-rich soil that stays moist all summer; remove old leaves after flowering; divide every three to five years
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division after flowering or in autumn, or by root cuttings in midwinter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry conditions