Overview
Pulmonaria 'Cotton Cool' is a bushy perennial in the genus Pulmonaria, part of the Boraginaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Pulmonaria 'Cotton Cool' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, cottage and informal garden, flower borders and beds, underplanting of roses and shrubs and ground cover.
About
Pulmonaria 'Cotton Cool' is a bushy cultivar of the Pulmonaria genus, known commonly as lungwort, which belongs to the Boraginaceae family. This semi-evergreen plant thrives in partial shade with a preference for north, east, or west-facing aspects in sheltered locations. It grows best in moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H6, 'Cotton Cool' is suitable for wildlife gardens, cottage and informal gardens, flower borders and beds, as well as underplanting roses and shrubs or as ground cover. Propagation is typically by division after flowering or in autumn.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pulmonaria
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Pulmonaria 'Cotton Cool' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Ground cover
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pulmonaria 'Cotton Cool'
- Cultivation
- Prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained loam soil with neutral pH; keep soil consistently moist; mulch to retain moisture and protect roots in winter.
- Pruning
- Remove old or damaged leaves in early spring; cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Division after flowering or in autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews in dry conditions
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Pulmonaria 'Cotton Cool'?
Prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained loam soil with neutral pH; keep soil consistently moist; mulch to retain moisture and protect roots in winter.
Where is the best place to plant Pulmonaria 'Cotton Cool'?
Pulmonaria 'Cotton Cool' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pulmonaria 'Cotton Cool' need?
Pulmonaria 'Cotton Cool' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Pulmonaria 'Cotton Cool'?
Remove old or damaged leaves in early spring; cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
Is Pulmonaria 'Cotton Cool' hardy in the UK?
Pulmonaria 'Cotton Cool' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Pulmonaria 'Cotton Cool'?
Division after flowering or in autumn.
More in the Pulmonaria genus
- Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign'Lungwort

- Pulmonaria 'Opal'Lungwort

- Pulmonaria 'Trevi Fountain'Lungwort

- Pulmonaria 'Diane Clare'Lungwort