PULMONARIA (Pulmona'ria)

DESCRIPTION: This group of hardy perennials, commonly known as Lungwort and Blue Cowslip, are found wild in Europe. These plants grow from 9 to 12 inches high and are great for shady locations where other plants can't survive. The name Pulmonaria is derived from pulmo, a lung, because the foliage is said to aid in the treatment of lung diseases. P. officinalis 'Sissinghurst White' is a pretty plant with semi-evergreen, long, elliptic, medium green leaves spotted with a lighter color. In the spring, terminal clusters of small, funnel-shaped, pure white flowers are produced. P. saccharata has medium green leaves speckled with white and clothed with fine hairs. Its funnel-shaped flowers are borne in terminal clusters, in the spring. They are pink changing to blue or bluish-purple. P. saccharata 'Frühlingshimmel' has finely hairy, green leaves spotted with white. The flowers are pale sky blue with purple calyces.

POTTING: Grow these plants in fertile, moist, humus-rich soil that is well drained, in a location with shade or partial shade.

PROPAGATION: These plants can be increased by division in the spring or fall.

VARIETIES: P. officinalis & var. Sissinghurst White; P. saccharata (Bethlehem Sage) & var. Frühlingshimmel; P. angustifolia & var. Mawson's Variety, alba, azurea; P. arvernensis.

Go see DICTIONARY OF BOTANICAL NAMES.

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