A Pulmonaria Sanitarium
"I want death to find me planting my cabbages" - Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592)
Pulmonaria, also known by its common name "Lungwort" plays a dual role. The very early blueish purplish pinkish spring flowers are known for their ability to attract hummingbirds. Their showy dark green leaves sport varying configurations of silver spotting brighten even the darkest corner of the yard. These shade loving plants form dense canopies in deep shade where otherwise only moss and some ferns would grow.
My small collection was gathered from Forest Farms and Joy Creek nurseries. Here's the list with pictures coming as soon as there's something to show!
Listed from East to West as the plants are located on the North side of the house
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Moonshine |
Berries & Cream |
Spilled Milk |
Sissinghurst White |
Trevi Fountain |
Mountain Magic |
Planting day was 03/20/2005. Plants are all very small but blooming vigorously. No individual pictures yet as all the blooms are essentially identical (except Sissinghurst is white, duh...) and the plants proper are so small it's impossible to see significant variations in leaf splotching. As the plants begin to assert their individuality I will document as appropriate.
05/02/2005 - Warmer days seem to be bringing out the best in these little guys. Most have recovered nicely from transplant shock and are beginning to produce a whole new set of leaves, in some cases. So far, Moonshine and Trevi Fountain are the most attractive, with Mountain Magic and Spilled Milk coming along nicely. Mountain Magic's blooms are enormous.
07/11/2005 - All seem to be doing well and responding nicely to admiration and flattery. They continue to vigorously put out new leaves. The coloration is spectacular. Sissinghurst White continues to be the weakest of the bunch, but continues to hang in there. Mt. Magic gets a couple hours of direct sun each day. The rest are in full shade for the most part.
