Pulmonaria, also known as Lungwort, are one of the first perennials to flower in spring. They are popular for being reliable blooms, whatever the weather! The plants are naturally compact and low-growing with attractive green foliage often speckled silver. Small flowers are held in clusters above the foliage making an attractive display throughout the spring months.
Pulmonaria are favoured by many as they are easy to grow and make an ideal addition to the front of mixed beds and borders. They grow best in partial or full shade where their colourful flowers work brilliantly to brighten the space. Their pretty flowers change colour as they mature, giving different colours on the same plant at the same time. Theses lovely flowers are a great early source of nectar for bees and other pollinators in the garden.
Our favourite Pulmonaria are:
- Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign' - this award-winning variety displays blue-purple flowers
- Pulmonaria 'Miss Ely' - the deep blue flowers look stunning against the silver spotted foliage
- Pulmonaria 'Shrimps on the Barbie' - masses of deep 'shrimp' pink flowers and green foliage with prominent white spots
- Pulmonaria 'Silver Bouquet' - gorgeous flowers open in coral before turning pink then violet
- Pulmonaria 'Trevi Fountain' - another award-winning variety with striking cobalt-blue flowers
Planting your Pulmonaria
After you have selected your new Pulmonaria and chosen the perfect shady position for it in your garden it is time to plant it out. Begin by watering the plant while it is still in the pot then dig a hole approximately twice the depth and width of the pot. Put some compost in your planting hole but as Pulmonaria do not require a lot of feeding, there is no need to add any slow release fertiliser. Remove the plant from the pot and place it in the hole; ensure it is level with the ground. Backfill the hole and use your heel to firm the soil around the plant (don't get too close to the stems). Finally, water well allowing water to pool in the top before draining away. It is good practice to add some mulch on top of the soil (not too close to the root ball) to prevent the plant from drying out and to keep weeds at bay.
Caring for Pulmonaria
Pulmonaria are herbaceous perennials which die back in late autumn. The plants will remain in the ground, lying dormant over winter before re-emerging in the spring. Once the leaves have died back, you can prune them to tidy the plant up. The plants require little care once established, they may benefit from additional watering during dry spells or if grown in full sun.
Pulmonaria are one of our Spring Superstars, and we think they make a great addition to any garden! We have a lovely selection available in-store or on-line and our friendly team of experts are always on hand to help you choose the perfect plant for your garden.
