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Genus Pulmonaria (Lungwort)

Pulmonaria 'Silver Shimmers' Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner

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Common Name: Lungwort

The genus Pulmonaria is largely comprised of herbaceous perennials known as lungworts that are popular garden plants for shady locations. They typically have white- or silver-variegated leaves and flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, and blue in early spring.
Care: Lungworts prefer fertile, moist soil in partial to full shade in USDA Hardiness Zones 2 to 8.
Propagation:

Divide after flowering or in early fall. Plants grown from seed may not look like their parents, as lungworts hybridize freely in garden settings. Seeds should be sown when ripe.

Problems:

Powdery mildew is a common problem, especially in overly dry conditions. Resistant cultivars are available. Slugs and snails may also be a nuisance.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Pulmonaria

Pulmonaria 'Silver Shimmers'
('Silver Shimmers' lungwort) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

This eye-catching perennial has silver-plated leaves with speckled margins. Its blooms are among the largest of all lungworts, beginning as pink buds and opening in early spring to display platinum blue flowers.

This plant will eventually form a decent-sized mound that resembles a mountain of liquid silver. It's perfect in a woodland border and makes a great ground cover and container plant. In mild winters, its leaves may stay evergreen.

Pulmonaria saccharata 'Mrs. Moon'
(Bethlehem sage, lungwort) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

This cheerful, reliable plant brings a nice touch of color to the garden in spring. The leaves are pointed and hairy and splattered with silvery blotches. As the plant grows, the leaves overlap, creating a swirly pattern. In spring, clusters of silky pink flowers appear. They fade to a soft blue that harmonizes well with the leaf color.