Pulmonaria 'BLUE ENSIGN' lungwort
size/type
low or groundcovering,low perennial
usual height
0,2-0,3m
usual width
0,3-0,5m
leaves
semi-deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
April
location
semi-shade to shade
soil type
any (acidic to alkaline)
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist (dislikes drought)
USDA zone (lowest)
4 (down to -34°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Lungwort is a genus of about 16 perennial species originally found in woodlands and at streamsides in Europe and Asia, and for centuries has been used as a medicinal plant. Plants are characterized by pink and blue flowers, and many of them make large, very attractive, almost exotic looking leaves.
Description of the plant:
Blue Ensign is truly a flagship among blue-flowering lungwort varieties. Its flowers boast a deep gentian blue shade and only some have a magenta purple throat. They are shortly funnel-shaped and come out atop 20-30 tall, fleshy stems from early spring - usually late March till late April. Another feature which differs it from the majority of other currently popular hybrids of p. saccharata or p. longifolia are its entirely green leaves without any spots or marbling. They are broadly oval and evergreen in mild winters. The plant forms a compact clump. Cut back the whole plant after flowering to encourage growth of new and large foliage that will remain handsome until the end of the year.
Lungwort, especially its large-leaved forms need equally moist, fertile soil that does not dry out, or is waterlogged. It needs partial or complete shade, it is an ideal understory of tall trees providing only filtered sunlight. Use it in mixed beds with hostas or liriope. Eve if the leaves look alright after winter remove all of them in early spring. Hardy to min. -34°C (USDA zone 4).
Last update 25-03-2022
