Pulmonaria obscura
suffolk lungwort
Overview
Pulmonaria obscura is a low, clump-forming herbaceous perennial growing 8-14 inches (20-35 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide from a creeping rootstock. Basal leaves emerge after flowering, heart-shaped to oval, 4-7 inches (10-18 cm) long on long stalks, with a rough, hairy surface and plain dark green color lacking the silver spots of many lungworts. Flowering stems rise in early spring bearing coiled clusters of funnel-shaped flowers about 0.4 inch (10 mm) long that open pink to red and age to violet-blue, so both colors appear in a cluster at once. Bloom lasts 3-5 weeks in spring. After flowering, the foliage forms a low mound that lasts through summer and dies back in autumn. The plant spreads slowly into broad clumps. Leaves may scorch at the edges in dry or sunny positions.
Native Range
Native to central and eastern Europe, from France and Scandinavia east into Russia, growing in deciduous woodland, hedgerows, and shaded slopes on moist, humus-rich soils.Suggested Uses
Planted as a groundcover in shade gardens, woodland borders, and under shrubs, spaced 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) apart. The early flowers supply nectar for emerging bumblebees. It combines with hellebores, ferns, and other shade perennials in moist soil.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'2"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Flowers in early spring, mainly March to April, among the first woodland perennials to bloom. Each cluster shows pink and blue flowers together as they age. Bloom lasts about 3-5 weeks, ending as the leaves expand.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink aging to violet-blueFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 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
Grows in part to full shade on moist, humus-rich soil and tolerates heavy clay where drainage is adequate. The soil should stay evenly moist; leaves wilt and scorch in dry spells or too much sun. Cut back tattered foliage after flowering to prompt fresh leaves. Powdery mildew can appear on plants that dry out in summer. Divide clumps every 4-5 years in autumn to maintain vigor. Slugs may chew the young leaves in wet springs.Pruning
Cut back the old flower stems and any scorched leaves after bloom to bring on a fresh mound of foliage. Removing dead leaves in late autumn tidies the clump. No other pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late springfall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons