About

A clump-forming, semi-evergreen perennial to 30cm tall with arching, dark green leaves heavily spotted with silver. In spring, clusters of small, funnel-shaped flowers open pale pink then turn milky white before finally fading to a pale lavender blue.

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
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, 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 after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division after flowering or in autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free but slugs and snails may damage new growth
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry conditions