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Pulmonaria 'Trevi Fountain'
Trevi Fountain Lungwort
Garden hybrid; {Pulmonaria} species are native to Europe and western Asia
At a Glance
TypePerennial
HabitClumping
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height10-14 inches (25-35 cm)
Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Maturity2 years
Overview
Pulmonaria × 'Trevi Fountain' is a hybrid lungwort that grows 10–14 inches (25–35 cm) tall and 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide. Cobalt-blue tubular-funnel-shaped flowers 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) long open from pink buds in March through May — the pink-to-blue color change is a Pulmonaria genus trait caused by a pH shift in the flower tissue as it ages. This means a single plant displays both pink buds and open blue flowers simultaneously, creating a bicolor effect. The foliage is the primary ornamental feature: dark green lance-shaped rough-textured leaves are heavily spotted and splashed with silver, creating a luminous patterned surface that brightens deep shade through summer and fall. The silver spotting is more extensive in 'Trevi Fountain' than in many lungwort cultivars, with large silver blotches that nearly merge across the leaf surface. The genus name Pulmonaria means 'of the lungs' — the spotted leaves were thought to resemble diseased lung tissue, leading to traditional use in treating lung ailments under the Doctrine of Signatures. Shearing the entire plant after bloom promotes a flush of fresh, clean new foliage — the post-bloom foliage is often larger and more heavily silvered than the spring leaves. Moist, humus-rich shade is essential. In dry or sunny conditions, the leaves scorch and develop powdery mildew. Deer avoid the rough-textured foliage.
Native Range
Pulmonaria species are native to Europe and western Asia. 'Trevi Fountain' is a garden hybrid, named after the Trevi Fountain in Rome.Suggested Uses
Used in shade gardens, along shaded paths, and in containers of 3 gallons (11 liters) or more. The silver-spotted foliage brightens deep shade where few other plants provide patterned interest. Pairs with hostas, ferns, and hellebores. The spring color-changing bloom is a seasonal bonus above the year-round foliage display.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10" - 1'2"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowering from March through May, approximately 4 weeks. Cobalt-blue flowers opening from pink buds — both colors visible simultaneously. The silver foliage is ornamental all season.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Cobalt-blue, tubular-funnel-shaped, opening from pink budsFoliage Description
Dark green heavily spotted and splashed with silver, lance-shaped, rough-texturedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-4 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
Plant in partial to full shade with 2–4 hours of filtered light. Moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Keep consistently moist — the leaves scorch in dry conditions. Shear the entire plant after bloom to promote fresh, heavily silvered new foliage. Mulch with leaf mold. Not suited to sun or dry conditions.Pruning
Shear the entire plant to the ground after bloom in late May–June. Fresh new foliage emerges quickly and is often more heavily silvered than the spring leaves. This annual shearing is the most important maintenance task.Pruning Schedule
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F
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summer
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons