Overview
Pulmonaria rubra 'Redstart' is a perennial in the genus Pulmonaria, part of the Boraginaceae family. Pulmonaria rubra 'Redstart' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include groundcover, woodland garden and shade garden. It is native to Carpathian Mountains and Balkan Mountains.
About
Pulmonaria rubra 'Redstart' is a perennial in the Boraginaceae that flowers in spring from March to May. Native to the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains, it favours shaded, sheltered situations. Plant in moist, well-drained, humus-rich, neutral to alkaline soil on north, east or west aspects.
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 'Redstart' belongs to the borage family (Boraginaceae) and originates from the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. It flowers in spring, its bloom window running March to May, and is cultivated for shaded parts of the garden where those early-season flowers can be seen. For cultivation choose partial shade to full shade on a sheltered aspect; north, east or west aspects suit it. Use a humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil with a neutral to alkaline pH. Hardiness is H5, meaning it is considered hardy for most UK gardens and will tolerate typical winter conditions in temperate areas when planted in a protected spot. Place Pulmonaria rubra 'Redstart' where spring blooms and low light tolerance are useful: as a ground cover in a woodland or shade garden, or to fill gaps near evergreen shrubs that cast summer shade. Position it so the March–May flowers are visible from paths or seating areas rather than hidden at the back of a bed, making the most of its early-season contribution to shady borders.
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
- Aspect
- north, east, west
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Pulmonaria rubra 'Redstart' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- groundcover, woodland garden, shade garden
- Native to
- Carpathian Mountains, Balkan Mountains
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pulmonaria rubra 'Redstart'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade. Avoid direct hot sun. Mulch to retain moisture.
- Pruning
- Remove old leaves in early spring before new growth appears.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but slow.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Pulmonaria rubra 'Redstart'?
Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade. Avoid direct hot sun. Mulch to retain moisture.
Where is the best place to plant Pulmonaria rubra 'Redstart'?
Pulmonaria rubra 'Redstart' prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pulmonaria rubra 'Redstart' need?
Pulmonaria rubra 'Redstart' 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 'Redstart'?
Remove old leaves in early spring before new growth appears.
Is Pulmonaria rubra 'Redstart' hardy in the UK?
Pulmonaria rubra 'Redstart' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Pulmonaria rubra 'Redstart'?
Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but slow.
More in the Pulmonaria genus
- Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign'Lungwort
- Pulmonaria 'Opal'Lungwort
- Pulmonaria 'Trevi Fountain'Lungwort
- Pulmonaria 'Diane Clare'Lungwort