Pulmonaria rubra 'Bowles' Variety' (Lungwort) — perennial

Overview

Pulmonaria rubra 'Bowles' Variety' is a perennial in the genus Pulmonaria, part of the Boraginaceae family. Pulmonaria rubra 'Bowles' Variety' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include groundcover, woodland garden and border. It is native to Carpathian Mountains and Balkan Mountains.

About

Pulmonaria rubra 'Bowles' Variety' is a perennial in the Boraginaceae that suits shady, moisture-retentive sites and flowers from March to May. It prefers partial shade to full shade and a humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil with a neutral to alkaline pH. Hardiness is H7 (fully hardy) so it withstands UK winter conditions. Use it as ground cover, in a woodland garden or at the front of a border.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pulmonaria rubra

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 rubra 'Bowles' Variety' is a perennial in the genus Pulmonaria (family Boraginaceae) originating from the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. It reliably produces its season of bloom in spring, with flowers appearing from March to May. Plant in partial shade or full shade on a site that retains moisture but drains freely. The variety does best in humus-rich soil and tolerates neutral to alkaline pH; consistently moist conditions suit it more than dry ground. Its UK hardiness rating is H7 (fully hardy), meaning it will tolerate the coldest winter conditions encountered across the UK. This Pulmonaria is most effective where shade and moisture coincide: as a spreading ground cover beneath trees and shrubs, in a woodland garden or at the front of a shady border. Sitings that replicate its native upland woodland conditions are most appropriate. Flowers from March to May provide defined early-season interest in shady parts of the garden.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Pulmonaria

Sunlight: partial shade, shade
Soil type: moist, well-drained, humus-rich
Soil pH: neutral, alkaline
Soil moisture: moist
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Pulmonaria rubra 'Bowles' Variety' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: groundcover, woodland garden, border
Native to: Carpathian Mountains, Balkan Mountains

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Pulmonaria rubra 'Bowles' Variety'

Cultivation: Prefers partial to full shade and moist, humus-rich soil. Avoid dry conditions.
Pruning: Remove old leaves in early spring before new growth appears to tidy the plant.
Propagation: Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation is possible but less common.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Pulmonaria rubra 'Bowles' Variety'?

Prefers partial to full shade and moist, humus-rich soil. Avoid dry conditions.

Where is the best place to plant Pulmonaria rubra 'Bowles' Variety'?

Pulmonaria rubra 'Bowles' Variety' prefers partial shade and shade.

What soil does Pulmonaria rubra 'Bowles' Variety' need?

Pulmonaria rubra 'Bowles' Variety' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including moist, well-drained and humus-rich. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.

How do I prune Pulmonaria rubra 'Bowles' Variety'?

Remove old leaves in early spring before new growth appears to tidy the plant.

Is Pulmonaria rubra 'Bowles' Variety' hardy in the UK?

Pulmonaria rubra 'Bowles' Variety' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Pulmonaria rubra 'Bowles' Variety'?

Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation is possible but less common.

More in the Pulmonaria genus

Browse all Pulmonaria →