Pulmonaria longifolia 'Diana Clare'

Common Name: Lungwort, Bethlehem Sage

One tough plant! Shimmering apple green leaves dipped in silver keep their magnificent color all season long. No need to cut these plants back! Their long, pointed leaves contrast well with the violet-blue inflorescences which tend to appear a couple of weeks later than other varieties. The flowers are vibrant violet-blue when they emerge, then transition to purple and finally to pink.

You'll notice in the picture shown here that the foliage is speckled with silver early in the season when the plant blooms. The all-silver patina develops as the season progresses.

Pulmonaria is an underused perennial that grows well in shady gardens. It is especially attractive when planted among hostas, ferns, and brunneras. Its flowers are among the most brilliantly colored blossoms of all perennials.

Height:

8.0-12.0 Inches

Spread:

12.0-18.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

3,4,5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Purple-blue shades

Foliage Color:

Silver/grey shades

Sunlight:

Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Late Spring

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Hummingbirds

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Patio Container Eclectic Woodland Shade

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Cut Flower Cut Foliage Edging Mass Planting

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Pulmonarias do best in a highly organic, moisture retentive soil. Dry conditions can lead to powdery mildew and leaf scorch. Clean up in the spring by removing old or damaged foliage from the previous year. Some of the older cultivars can open up in the center and thus it becomes necessary to prune them down to ground level for a new fresh flush of foliage. If plants decline or are affected by powdery mildew, prune them back to ground level as well.

Pulmonarias spread slowly by creeping rhizomes, forming a nice patch of foliage. If you would like to divide a clump, it is best to do it in the fall.

Characteristics