Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign' (Lungwort) — Clump-forming

Overview

Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign' is a clump-forming perennial in the genus Pulmonaria, part of the Boraginaceae family, with semi-evergreen, silver-spotted foliage. Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include woodland gardens, shady borders and ground cover. It is native to Europe.

About

Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign' is a cultivar of Pulmonaria in the family Boraginaceae, notable as a clump-forming perennial that flowers in spring. It produces short, mostly unbranched flowering stems arising from a basal rosette of leaves. The genus typically bears hairs on stems and leaves and spreads slowly by a creeping rhizome. Expect blooms from March to May.

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 'Blue Ensign' sits within the Boraginaceae and follows the general growth habits of its genus: perennial, clump-forming plants that regenerate from a slowly creeping rhizome. Flowering is an early-season event, with blooms appearing between March and May on short, usually unbranched stems. The leaves form a basal rosette and the aerial parts are often covered in hairs of varying length. Use these structural traits to plan planting positions: the plant's modest height and capacity to spread to about 0.6 m make it suitable for the front of borders or to fill gaps in mixed beds where an early display is wanted. Establishment comes from the rhizome, so allow space for gradual spreading rather than expecting a single tight mound. Maintenance focuses on monitoring the clump and dividing if the centre begins to thin, which renews vigour without disturbing flowering stems. For garden interest, the timing of Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign' is its chief asset — it brings foliage-led structure and then a concentrated period of bloom in spring. Flowers from March to May emerge on the short stems above the basal leaves, giving a predictable seasonal marker in the perennial border.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Pulmonaria

Sunlight: Partial shade
Soil type: Clay, Loam
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming
Foliage: Semi-evergreen, Silver-spotted
Suggested uses: Woodland gardens, Shady borders, Ground cover
Native to: Europe

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign'

Cultivation: Prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Avoid direct hot sun to prevent leaf scorch. Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots in winter.
Pruning: Remove old flower stems after blooming to tidy the plant and encourage fresh growth.
Propagation: Division after flowering, in autumn
Pest resistance: Slugs, Snails
Disease resistance: Powdery mildew

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign'?

Prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Avoid direct hot sun to prevent leaf scorch. Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots in winter.