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Pulmonaria hybrids
lungwort
Europe and western Asia — deciduous woodlands, hedgerows, and shaded banks; hybrids derived from species including {P. officinalis}, {P. saccharata}, {P. longifolia}, and {P. rubra}
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Overview
Pulmonaria hybrids is lungwort, a clumping deciduous perennial growing 9-18 inches (23-45 cm) tall and 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide. Funnel-shaped 5-lobed flowers 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) open pink-red and mature to violet-blue — both colors displayed simultaneously on the same stem — in February-April (6 weeks). Oval to lance-shaped roughly hairy leaves 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) prominently spotted or marbled silver-white. In Boraginaceae. Pulmonaria = of the lungs (Doctrine of Signatures). The pink-to-blue color shift is a pH change in the petal cells. Hybrids derived from P. officinalis, P. saccharata, P. longifolia, and P. rubra. Some cultivars ('Majeste') have entirely silver foliage. Powdery mildew is the primary foliage disease in humid conditions — shear to the ground in midsummer for a clean flush. This mildew susceptibility and the need for midsummer shearing are the primary maintenance limitations. Not drought-tolerant — leaf scorch in dry conditions. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 3-8. Part shade to full shade. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Hybrids derived from European and western Asian species including P. officinalis, P. saccharata, P. longifolia, and P. rubra. Found in deciduous woodlands, hedgerows, and shaded banks.Suggested Uses
Grown in shade borders, woodland gardens, and under trees, spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm). Simultaneous pink-and-blue flowers. Silver-spotted foliage. Moist shade. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 3-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height9" - 1'6"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Late winter to mid spring (February-April). Funnel-shaped 5-lobed flowers open pink-red, mature to violet-blue. Both colors displayed simultaneously. In coiled cymes. 6 weeks. Bee-visited.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Open pink-red, mature to violet-blue (a pH-dependent color shift as the flower ages); funnel-shaped, 5-lobed, 0.5 inch (1.3 cm), in coiled cymes (scorpioid); both pink and blue flowers displayed simultaneously on the same stemFoliage Description
Oval to lance-shaped, roughly hairy, mid-green, 4-8 inches (10-20 cm); prominently spotted or marbled silver-white — the silver content increases through the season; some cultivars ('Majeste', 'Silver Bouquet') are entirely silverGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part shade to full shade (1-4 hours). Moist well-drained soil pH 5.5-7.0. Not drought-tolerant. Shear to ground in midsummer when foliage tatters or develops powdery mildew — clean silver-spotted regrowth follows. Divide every 3-4 years. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 3-8.Pruning
Remove spent flower stems. Shear entire plant to the ground in midsummer (June-July) for fresh foliage. Divide every 3-4 years in early fall.Pruning Schedule
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