About

A clump-forming, semi-evergreen perennial to about 30cm, with long, narrow leaves marked with a few pale, silvery spots, and clusters of dusky, pink to blue to purple flowers from late winter to mid-spring.

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
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
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 humus-rich, fertile, moist but not waterlogged soil in full or partial shade
PruningRemove old leaves and flower stems after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division after flowering, or in autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry conditions