This Month in the Garden: Feature Spring Blooming Perennial-Pulmonaria

This Month in the Garden

A new introduction into my garden this past year has performed so well that it is worth mentioning. Pulmonaria, also known as Lungwort, is a perennial hardy in USDA zones 3-8, known mostly for its outstanding foliage, but its blooms are spectacular as well. Lungwort grows to a mature size of 12-18 inches tall by 18-24 inches wide and prefers a location with partial to full shade, moderate watering and a well-drained, organically rich soil. Depending on the variety, showy sprays of blue, pink or white flowers appear in spring above medium green foliage, which is highlighted with silvery-white spots throughout. 

Pulmonaria (Lungwort)

Various cultivars include, but are not limited to, ‘Trevi Fountain’ with cobalt-blue blooms, 'Majeste’ with pink blooms that mature to blue, ‘Pink Dawn’ with pink blooms that age to violet, ‘Leopard’ with coral-pink blooms that mature to rose pink and ‘Sissinghuret’ with white blooms. This perennial is toxic to both humans and animals but is an attraction to bees and butterflies and is mostly undesired by deer. It must be noted however; like any plant which is considered deer proof, if deer are hungry enough, they will try anything. I have heard of cases of where the semi-evergreen foliage in warmer climates was nibbled upon during the winter months. To maintain plants, cut back flower stems after blooming and remove winter damaged foliage to allow room for spring growth.

Now for a little folklore. The name of this perennial was derived from the Latin term "pulmo", which means lung and "wort" which refers to a plant used for food or medicine. During the Middle Ages and times of magical rituals, the appearance of the spotted oval leaves of lungwort reminded people of diseased lungs, hence the plants were used as an herbal remedy to treat chest ailments and pulmonary infections. 

I am so happy to have this new addition in my shade garden and would recommend it for anywhere you have partial or dappled sunlight. You will be sure to enjoy its foliage and blooms!

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden for May. Be sure to stop by on the 1st. and 15th. of each month as I continue to share gardening tips, information and horticultural adventures! (Linking up with: Floral Fridays, Macro Monday 2, Ruby Tuesday and Image-in-ing Weekly Photo Link-Up.)

For gardening information: My Author Page and Books

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9

Landscape Design Combinations 

Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener

Gardening by Month: A Monthly Guide to Planning the Northeastern & Mid-Atlantic Garden. 

As Always...Happy Gardening!😊

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening,© Copyright 2010-2022. All rights reserved.