Lungwort (Pulmonaria 'Coral Springs')

Overview

Pulmonaria ‘Coral Springs’ excels as a foundational shade garden plant, offering year-round interest where many other perennials struggle. This cultivar, commonly known as Lungwort, is celebrated not just for its spring display of coral pink flowers, but significantly for its attractive foliage. The leaves are dark green and beautifully speckled with silver, providing essential texture and brightness under the canopy.

As an herbaceous perennial, Pulmonaria ‘Coral Springs’ establishes itself slowly via creeping roots, eventually forming a dense, attractive ground cover reaching about one foot tall. It fits perfectly into woodland settings or shady borders, adding consistent color and definition throughout the growing season. Gardeners choose Lungwort for its low maintenance demands and its ability to thrive in deep shade.

The early bloom period of Pulmonaria ‘Coral Springs’ is a welcome sight, often appearing in April and May, providing nectar when few other flowers are available. While the flowers are lovely, remember that the spotted foliage is the plant’s most enduring characteristic, making it an invaluable architectural element in dark corners of the landscape.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Boraginaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.75-1 ft
  • Spread: 1-2 ft
• Bloom Time: April to May
• Bloom Description: Coral pink
• Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

The best time to plant Pulmonaria ‘Coral Springs’ is in the spring or fall, ensuring it has time to establish roots before facing harsh summer heat or deep winter cold. Ideal locations require part shade to nearly full shade; avoid intense afternoon sun which can scorch the foliage. This Lungwort thrives in average, well-drained soils, but prefers them to be cool, organically rich, and consistently moist. Amending heavy soils with compost improves drainage and humus content.

Watering is key for maintaining good foliage quality in Pulmonaria ‘Coral Springs’. Soils must not be allowed to dry out, especially during summer months, as dryness can cause the plant to go temporarily dormant or suffer leaf scorch. While established plants tolerate medium moisture, consistency is crucial. Generally, additional fertilizer is unnecessary if the soil is rich in organic matter. After the pink flowers fade in late spring, remove the flower stems immediately to promote better leaf production.

If you notice your Pulmonaria ‘Coral Springs’ clump becoming overcrowded after several years, divide the plants in the fall. This process rejuvenates the clumps and allows you to propagate new specimens easily since the plants spread slowly by creeping roots. In warmer climates, the foliage of this Lungwort may offer some color retention throughout mild winters.

Landscape Uses

Pulmonaria ‘Coral Springs’ is an outstanding choice for areas of the garden suffering from deep shade where color is difficult to achieve. Its primary recommendation is as a ground cover, where it can effectively suppress weeds while covering bare soil with its decorative, silver-flecked leaves. Massing these plants creates a unifying, bright carpet beneath taller, sparse shrubs or deciduous trees.

Consider utilizing this versatile plant in woodland garden designs, where its cultural needs align perfectly with ferns and hostas. It also functions beautifully as an edging plant along shady paths, providing a neat, defined border that remains attractive long after the coral pink blooms have vanished. The deer resistance is an added bonus for use in suburban or woodland edge settings.

While the flowers are attractive and bloom early, the real design power comes from the foliage. Use Pulmonaria ‘Coral Springs’ to bridge the color gap between spring bulbs and summer perennials, ensuring continuous visual interest in difficult, shaded spots of the landscape.

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Pulmonaria is a genus valued primarily for its attractive foliage, similar to how Hostas are appreciated in the shade garden. ‘Coral Springs’ is specifically noted for its lance-shaped, dark green leaves intricately speckled with silver. It produces drooping clusters of beautiful coral pink flowers early in the spring, growing up to 12 inches tall and spreading to 24 inches wide.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Black Walnut

Potential Problems

Pulmonaria ‘Coral Springs’ generally maintains good pest and disease resistance, lacking any truly serious chronic issues. The most commonly noted pests are slugs and snails, which can chew noticeable holes in the leaves; monitor for their presence, especially in damp conditions. Powdery mildew can become a significant concern if the soil is allowed to become too dry during hot summer weather, as moisture stress compromises plant health.

To mitigate issues, ensure consistent soil moisture throughout the summer, which is vital for preventing both powdery mildew and leaf scorch from overly intense sun or heat. If leaves do become damaged or depreciate significantly in extreme heat, pruning them back slightly can encourage fresh, clean growth once cooler conditions return.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Lungwort suitable for?

Pulmonaria ‘Coral Springs’ is suitable for USDA Zones 3 through 8, offering wide adaptability across cooler and moderate temperate climates.

How large does Lungwort grow?

This herbaceous perennial typically reaches a modest height between 0.75 and 1 foot tall, with a spread ranging from 1 to 2 feet wide at maturity.

What sun exposure does Pulmonaria ‘Coral Springs’ need?

This Lungwort variety prefers part shade to full shade conditions. While it tolerates light morning sun, afternoon shade is essential to prevent foliage scorch.

When does Pulmonaria ‘Coral Springs’ bloom?

The blooming window for this plant is generally from April to May, featuring attractive clusters of coral pink flowers.

Conclusion

Pulmonaria ‘Coral Springs’ is a highly rewarding choice for gardeners seeking texture and reliable color in shaded environments. Its low maintenance profile, combined with silver-dappled foliage and early spring blooms, secures its place as a garden staple. Before planting, confirm your location falls within USDA Zones 3-8 and ensure the chosen spot offers consistent moisture for the best performance of your new Lungwort.

Companion Planting

When selecting companions for Pulmonaria ‘Coral Springs’, focus on plants that share the same cultural requirements for shade and moisture. Hosta varieties with solid green or blue foliage create a beautiful textural contrast against the silver speckling of the Lungwort. Shade-loving woodland companions like Astilbe, Tiarella (Foamflower), and ferns thrive alongside the Lungwort.

These combinations work because they mimic the natural environment where the genus Pulmonaria originates—cool, humus-rich woodland floors. Planting these species together creates layered interest: early flowers, mid-season foliage interest, and soil coverage provided by the ground-covering habit of Pulmonaria ‘Coral Springs’.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring care focuses on removing any old, depreciated foliage from the previous year shortly before new growth emerges. This timing coincides perfectly with the plant’s main bloom period in April and May. As temperatures rise, diligently monitor soil moisture, as consistent watering prevents leaf scorch and potential summer dormancy.

Summer management for this Lungwort primarily involves watering deeply during dry spells, preventing the soil from drying completely to maintain leaf health. In the fall, this is the ideal time for division if your clumps have become too dense, which is also a good opportunity to amend the soil with rich organic matter to prepare for winter. Winter care is minimal; in warmer zones, the plant’s leaves may retain some color.