pulmonaria officinalisA very ancient native European plant, used as a herbal remedy for bronchial problems in medieval times - hence the genus name pulmonaria, from the latin word pulmo, meaning lung. This use is evident also in the common name of lungwort.
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A useful ground-covering perennial, particularly handy in shady parts of the garden. Flower colour ranges from white, pink, blue and purple, and although these are quite small individually, they are continually produced in clusters throughout late winter and spring.
The foliage can vary also, from plain deep green to speckled and marbled with silvery white markings, bringing interest to dark corners.
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As there are many combinations of flower colour and leaf markings, there are many cultivars available.
A good choice is 'Sissinghurst White', a vigorous plant with pure white flowers that open from pale pink buds. The leaves are spotted with silver and the plant grows to 30 cm high with 50 cm spread.
Your local garden centre or nursery will undoubtedly have different cultivars in stock.
Linette Applegate. |
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