This darling little shade loving perennial turns on the charm in mid-spring. Dainty, bell-shaped flowers rise over mounded silver white foliage and transition from pink to purple, then periwinkle blue. As blooms come on this creates a beautiful patterned effect that illuminates the spring garden. Flowers last a few weeks, but once passed you can enjoy the dark green foliage with interesting patterned silver accents. This underutilized perennial grows well in shady gardens as long as you have consistent moisture. It does great among the greens and colored shades of hostas, heuchera, and hellebores with some of the most vivid blooms of any flowering plant.

Pulmonaria can be used in a variety of settings as long as you have consistently moist soil and shade. It works well in rock gardens, border plantings and flower beds that feature trees as part of the arrangement. It looks especially splendid in mass plantings and the flowers can be cut and used in spring floral arrangements or pressed into a pretty pattern.

Photo Credit: Walter Gardens

General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.

Pulmonaria ' Twinkle Toes'

Pulmonaria appreciate a rich soil that is high in organic matter and retains moisture well. Mulching will greatly enhance the success of the plant. If conditions get too dry the plant will struggle and suffer from powered mildew and browned rolled leaves (scorch). clean up the plant in early spring by removing any old or damaged foliage. If plants suffer from powdery mildew or struggle you can cut them back to soil level and ensure they are receiving enough water. Pulmonaria will grow and spread through rhizomes, so after a few years the plant will grow into a nice patch of foliage.