Pulmonaria, commonly known as lungwort, is a charming perennial known for its attractive foliage and early spring flowers. This plant is beloved by gardeners for its spotted or mottled leaves, which add visual interest even when it's not in bloom. Pulmonaria's blossoms come in shades of blue, pink, and white, often on the same plant, creating a delightful color-changing effect as the flowers mature.
Benefits of Growing Pulmonaria
Pulmonaria is not only visually appealing but also highly functional in the garden. Its early blooms provide an important nectar source for bees and other pollinators emerging in spring. The dense foliage helps suppress weeds, and the plant is generally deer-resistant. Moreover, Pulmonaria thrives in shady spots where many other plants struggle, making it a versatile addition to any garden.
Hostas: The Perfect Partner
Benefits of Pairing with Hostas
Hostas and Pulmonaria are a match made in gardening heaven. Both plants thrive in shady conditions and have complementary foliage that creates a lush, layered effect. Hostas' broad leaves provide a perfect backdrop for the smaller, more detailed leaves of Pulmonaria.
Creating a Shady Haven
Planting Hostas with Pulmonaria creates a cool, shaded oasis in your garden. The dense foliage of Hostas helps to suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture, benefiting both plants.
Varieties of Hostas to Consider
Consider varieties like 'Frances Williams' with its blue-green leaves and golden edges, or 'Sum and Substance,' which has massive chartreuse leaves. Both provide a striking contrast to Pulmonaria's spotted foliage.
Ferns: Adding Texture and Grace
Why Ferns Complement Pulmonaria
Ferns add a delicate, feathery texture that contrasts beautifully with Pulmonaria's bold leaves. Their shared preference for shade and moist soil makes them excellent companions.
Best Fern Varieties for Companion Planting
Popular fern varieties for companion planting include the Japanese Painted Fern with its silver and burgundy fronds, and the Maidenhair Fern, known for its fine, airy foliage.
Tips for Growing Ferns with Pulmonaria
Ensure both ferns and Pulmonaria have consistently moist, well-drained soil. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and provide a cool root environment.
Heuchera: Colorful and Versatile
Advantages of Heuchera as a Companion
Heuchera, or coral bells, offers vibrant foliage in shades of purple, red, and green, adding a splash of color to your garden. Its compact size and similar growing requirements make it an ideal companion for Pulmonaria.
Popular Heuchera Varieties
Varieties like 'Palace Purple' with its deep burgundy leaves and 'Lime Rickey' with bright green foliage can provide striking contrast and color.
Planting and Care Tips
Plant Heuchera in well-drained soil and partial shade. Regular watering and occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer will keep the plants healthy and vibrant.
Astilbes: Bringing a Splash of Color
Benefits of Astilbes in the Garden
Astilbes are prized for their feathery, plume-like flowers that bloom in shades of pink, red, and white. These plants add vertical interest and a burst of color to shady areas.
Choosing the Right Astilbe Varieties
Varieties like 'Fanal' with deep red flowers or 'Deutschland' with pure white blooms can complement the colors of Pulmonaria and create a harmonious garden palette.
Growing Astilbes with Pulmonaria
Astilbes prefer consistently moist soil and partial shade, making them excellent companions for Pulmonaria. Mulch and regular watering will keep both plants thriving.
Brunnera: The Perfect Shade Lover
Why Brunnera is a Great Match
Brunnera, also known as Siberian Bugloss, features heart-shaped leaves and tiny blue flowers that resemble forget-me-nots. Its preference for shade and moist soil makes it a perfect companion for Pulmonaria.
Best Brunnera Varieties
Consider varieties like 'Jack Frost' with its silver leaves and blue veins, or 'Hadspen Cream' with variegated foliage, to add visual interest and texture.
Care and Maintenance Tips
Plant Brunnera in humus-rich, well-drained soil and provide regular watering. Removing spent flowers can encourage new growth and keep the plant looking tidy.
Epimedium: A Unique Companion
Advantages of Epimedium with Pulmonaria
Epimedium, or barrenwort, is a low-growing perennial with delicate flowers and attractive foliage. Its drought tolerance and shade preference make it a suitable companion for Pulmonaria.
Varieties of Epimedium to Try
Varieties like 'Sulphureum' with yellow flowers and 'Rubrum' with red blooms can add a touch of color and charm to your garden.
Growing Tips and Considerations
Epimedium thrives in well-drained soil and partial to full shade. Once established, it requires minimal maintenance, making it a low-effort, high-reward addition.
Bleeding Hearts: A Touch of Elegance
Benefits of Bleeding Hearts
Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra) brings a romantic touch to the garden with their heart-shaped flowers that dangle gracefully from arching stems. Their delicate appearance contrasts beautifully with Pulmonaria's bold foliage.
Choosing the Right Varieties
Varieties like 'Spectabilis' with its classic pink flowers or 'Alba' with white blooms can add elegance and charm to your garden.
Planting and Care Tips
Plant Bleeding Hearts in well-drained, humus-rich soil and partial shade. Keep the soil continually moist and mulch around the plants to keep moisture in.
Tiarella: A Woodland Wonder
Why Tiarella Pairs Well with Pulmonaria
Tiarella, or foamflower, features attractive foliage and delicate, star-shaped flowers. Its shade-loving nature and similar soil preferences make it an ideal companion for Pulmonaria.
Best Varieties of Tiarella
Consider varieties like 'Sugar and Spice' with its lacy leaves and pink flowers, or 'Iron Butterfly' with dark green leaves and white blooms, for added visual interest.
Growing and Care Tips
Plant Tiarella in well-drained soil and provide regular watering. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage new blooms and keep the plant looking its best.
Hellebores: Winter Beauty
Advantages of Hellebores
Hellebores, also known as Lenten Roses, bloom in late winter to early spring, providing early color and interest in the garden. Their evergreen foliage adds year-round structure and beauty.
Varieties to Consider
Varieties like 'Orientalis' with its range of colors from white to deep purple, and 'Niger' with pure white flowers, can brighten up the garden during the colder months.
Tips for Growing Hellebores
Plant Hellebores in well-drained, humus-rich soil and partial shade. They prefer consistent moisture but are relatively low-maintenance once established.
Solomon's Seal: Adding Vertical Interest
Why Solomon's Seal is a Good Companion
Solomon's Seal features arching stems with dangling, bell-shaped flowers. Its elegant form and shade tolerance make it an excellent companion for Pulmonaria, adding vertical interest to the garden.
Best Varieties for Companion Planting
Varieties like 'Polygonatum biflorum' with its white flowers or 'Variegatum' with variegated leaves can enhance the visual appeal of your garden.
Planting and Care Tips
Plant Solomon's Seal in well-drained soil and provide regular watering. Mulch around your plants to conserve moisture and keep the soil cool.
Ligularia: Bold and Beautiful
Benefits of Ligularia
Ligularia is known for its large, bold leaves and bright yellow or orange flowers. It adds a dramatic touch to shady areas and pairs well with Pulmonaria's more delicate foliage.
Popular Varieties
Consider varieties like 'The Rocket' with tall flower spikes, or 'Britt-Marie Crawford' with its dark leaves and golden flowers, for a striking garden display.
Growing Tips
Ligularia prefers moist, well-drained soil with partial to complete shade. Regular watering and mulching will keep the plant healthy and vigorous.
Ajuga: Ground Cover Companion
Advantages of Ajuga
Ajuga, or bugleweed, is an excellent ground cover with attractive foliage and spikes of blue flowers. Its low-growing habit and shade tolerance make it a perfect companion for Pulmonaria.
Varieties to Consider
Varieties like 'Chocolate Chip' with its dark leaves and 'Burgundy Glow' with variegated foliage can add color and texture to the garden floor.
Care and Maintenance
Ajuga is relatively low-maintenance but benefits from regular watering and occasional trimming to keep it neat and prevent spreading.
Trillium: Native Charm
Why Trillium is a Great Match
Trillium, a native woodland plant, features three-petaled flowers and attractive foliage. Its early spring blooms complement Pulmonaria's flowers and thrive in similar shady conditions.
Best Trillium Varieties
Consider varieties like 'Grandiflorum' with its large white flowers or 'Erectum' with deep red blooms to add native charm to your garden.
Planting and Care Tips
Plant Trillium in humus-rich, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. Keep the soil moist and avoid disturbing the roots once established.
Japanese Anemone: Late-Season Interest
Benefits of Japanese Anemone
Japanese Anemone blooms in late summer to fall, providing color and interest when many other plants are fading. Their tall, graceful stems and delicate flowers add a touch of elegance to the garden.
Choosing the Right Varieties
Varieties like 'Honorine Jobert' with white flowers or 'September Charm' with pink blooms can enhance the late-season garden palette.
Growing and Care Tips
Plant Japanese Anemone in well-drained soil and partial shade. Regular watering and mulching will keep the plants healthy and prolong the blooming period.
Corydalis: Adding Delicate Beauty
Advantages of Corydalis
Corydalis features delicate, fern-like foliage and tubular flowers in shades of blue, yellow, and pink. Its compact size and shade tolerance make it an excellent companion for Pulmonaria.
Varieties to Consider
Varieties like 'Flexuosa' with blue flowers or 'Lutea' with yellow blooms can add delicate beauty to your garden.
Planting and Care Tips
Plant Corydalis in well-drained soil and provide regular watering. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage new blooms and keep the plant looking tidy.
Design Ideas for Companion Planting with Pulmonaria
Creating a Woodland Garden
Combine Pulmonaria with shade-loving companions to create a lush, woodland-inspired garden. Use a mix of foliage textures and flower colors for a natural, layered look.
Designing Shady Borders
Use Pulmonaria and its companions to design shady borders along pathways or under trees. Vary plant heights and colors to create visual interest and depth.
Mixing Colors and Textures
Experiment with different color combinations and foliage textures to create a dynamic garden display. Pair bold leaves with delicate ferns or mix vibrant flowers with subtle foliage for contrast.
Companion planting with Pulmonaria can enhance your garden's beauty and health. By choosing the right companions, you can create a lush, diverse, and thriving garden environment. Consider the growing needs of each plant, maintain regular care, and be mindful of pests and diseases. Experiment with various combinations to determine which works best for your garden.
