PerennialsPulmonaria officinalis
Lungwort
Lungwort is an early-flowering shade plant with strikingly spotted foliage and charming flowers that change from pink to blue. The plant blooms as early as March, providing vital early nectar for bees. The decorative leaves remain attractive throughout the season.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Partial shade, Full shade
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 20–30 cm
- Spread
- 30–45 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 3–8
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- blue, pink
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in partial shade or full shade in moist, humus-rich soil. Lungwort dislikes drying out — keep the soil consistently moist, especially in summer. A layer of compost in spring feeds the plant and retains moisture. Remove unsightly foliage after flowering; new leaves appear quickly.
Pruning tips
Cut back flower stems after blooming. If foliage looks tired after summer, cut everything back hard — fresh growth appears rapidly. Divide the plant every four years to prevent exhaustion.
Good companions
PerennialsHelleborus orientalis
Lenten Rose
The Lenten Rose is one of the first bloomers of the garden year, with saucer-shaped flowers in purple, pink or white appearing as early as February. The evergreen, palmate foliage forms attractive clumps that remain decorative year-round. The plant is a valuable early nectar source for bees.
PerennialsHosta sieboldiana
Hosta
Hosta is the quintessential shade plant, valued for its large, blue-green, ribbed leaves. Light purple or white bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stems in July and August. Over the years the plant forms substantial clumps that give a shaded border a lush character.
Ground coverLamium maculatum
Spotted Dead-nettle
Spotted Dead-nettle is an attractive ground cover with silver-green leaves marked by a distinctive pattern. From April to June, lipped flowers appear in pink, purple, or white. The plant is semi-evergreen and quickly forms an ornamental carpet beneath trees and shrubs.