We have increased the number of lungwort or pulmonaria we are growing this season a bit. This has always been a perennial we enjoyed growing. It is one of the earliest blooming perennials in the shade gardens. Some have leaves that offer variegation or spotting to brighten up shady areas. Most varieties will take shade to dappled sun. Some are tolerant of sun but the sun seems to increase the incidence of powdery mildew. All prefer a rich, well-drained soil with organic matter and some moisture. 

    Lungworts stay fairly low (6-14" high and up to 24" across). This may help keep it out of the range of deer. They are quite deer resistant. They are not the most drought tolerant perennial but are surprisingly tough. They must have a regular watering schedule the first season to establish a good strong root system. Most are moderate growers and establish fairly fast. After they are established, lungwort are low maintenance plants and undemanding. Most are hardy to at least zone 5.

Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign'- Intensely blue flowers top deep green unmarked foliage in earliest spring. Lance shaped leaves form a compact mound. Zone 4

Pulmonaria 'Majeste'- Intensely silver almost glossy leaves have a very narrow green margin. Blue to pink flowers appear from April to May. Good heat tolerance. Zone 4

Pulmonaria longifolia 'Roy Davidson'- Pink flowers that turn to light blue as they mature top a low, spreading carpet of narrow dark green leaves heavily spotted with white. An excellent plant for brightening up shady areas. Zone 6

Pulmonaria longifolia 'E.B. Anderson'- Dainty clusters of blue flowers aging to pink top dark green foliage delicately spotted with silver. A charming accent for the early spring garden. Zone 6

Pulmonaria rubra 'David Ward'- Minty green leaves sport wide, ruffled white margins on this vigorous selection. Rosy-reddish flowers add striking color in early spring. Perfect for the shade garden. Zone 4

Pulmonaria rubra 'Redstart' - Large red flowers top a low, spreading carpet of solid green leaves. An excellent plant for brightening up shady areas. Zone 4

Pulmonaria saccharata 'Smokey Blue'- Brilliant blue flowers top a low, spreading carpet of wide, deep green leaves heavily spotted with silvery-white. An excellent plant for brightening up shady areas. Zone 3