Lungwort (Pulmonaria 'Excalibur')
Pulmonaria 'Excalibur' (Lungwort) is a low-maintenance perennial prized for silvery foliage and early spring rose-pink flowers in shade.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Pulmonaria ‘Excalibur’, commonly known as Lungwort, is highly valued in the garden primarily for its striking, silvery-white foliage accented by deep green margins. While its early spring flowers offer a welcome burst of color, the persistent, attractive leaves often make this plant the star attraction, especially in deep shade settings. This herbaceous perennial establishes slowly but provides reliable ground cover once settled.
This variety transitions gracefully through the growing season, providing substantial coverage in areas where many other flowering plants struggle. Pulmonaria ‘Excalibur’ thrives under conditions that mimic its cool, woodland origins, offering gardeners a low-maintenance solution for brightening dark garden corners. Its resilient nature makes it a popular choice for long-term landscape planning.
The spring display of funnel-shaped, rose pink flowers adds ephemeral beauty above the evolving foliage mass. Gardeners appreciate this Lungwort for its ability to establish slowly spreading clumps, making it an excellent, understated structural element in shaded borders and woodland borders alike. Incorporating Pulmonaria ‘Excalibur’ ensures reliable year-round interest when evergreen options are limited.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Boraginaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.75-1 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: April to May
- Bloom Description: Rose pink
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Pulmonaria ‘Excalibur’ is best done in spring or fall when temperatures are cooler. Select a location that provides protection from hot afternoon sun. This plant requires average, well-drained soil, but thrives best when the soil is organically rich and humusy, mimicking woodland conditions. Consistent moisture is crucial; the soil must not be allowed to dry out during the growing season.
Maintain medium water requirements by watering regularly, especially during dry spells, as drought can cause the foliage to depreciate significantly or scorch if exposed to too much light. While generally low maintenance, remove spent flower stems immediately after bloom concludes to tidy the appearance. Though spreading slowly by creeping roots, perennial division can be performed in the fall if the clumps become too crowded for optimal performance.
Be mindful of the intense summer heat, particularly in warmer climates. If soils become too dry during summer, Pulmonaria ‘Excalibur’ may go into dormancy. Furthermore, excessive sun exposure outside of protective morning light will lead to scorched foliage; afternoon shade is non-negotiable for maintaining the brilliant silvery coloration of the leaves.
Landscape Uses
Pulmonaria ‘Excalibur’ is foremost an excellent foliage plant designed to illuminate shady areas of the landscape. Massing these plants together creates a uniform ground cover effect, perfect for softening the edges of woodland paths or filling the understory beneath deciduous trees. Their tolerance for heavy shade makes them indispensable in difficult dark corners.
Use Lungwort as an effective, low-growing edging plant along shady walkways where its bright leaves contrast nicely with darker greens from ferns or hostas. They look particularly effective when grouped alongside spring bulbs, as the Lungwort foliage provides persistent interest long after spring ephemeral flowers have faded. Consider planting in shaded areas of rock gardens to prevent the rockwork from appearing too stark in deep shade.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Pulmonaria is a genus of about 17 species of deciduous or evergreen herbaceous perennials from Europe and Asia. Lungworts are shade plants that, like many of the hostas, are often valued more for their attractive foliage than for their spring flowers. ‘Excalibur’ features mostly basal clumps of large, silvery-white leaves with dark green midribs and edges, presenting a stunning visual appeal through the season. Drooping clusters of funnel-shaped, rose pink flowers bloom early in the spring, often lasting longer than those of many other Pulmonarias.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Heavy Shade
- Black Walnut
Potential Problems
Pulmonaria ‘Excalibur’ generally exhibits good resistance to most serious insect or disease issues. However, slugs and snails might occasionally target the attractive leaves, requiring standard pest management intervention. Powdery mildew remains the most significant disease concern, especially if the soil is allowed to dry out during the summer months, stressing the plant. Watch foliage closely in extremely hot, sunny conditions, as scorching and depreciation signal that the plant is receiving too much unmitigated solar exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Lungwort suitable for?
Pulmonaria ‘Excalibur’ is highly adaptable across USDA Zones 3 through 8, offering reliability in cold winter regions.
How large does Lungwort grow?
Mature specimens of Pulmonaria ‘Excalibur’ typically reach a height between 0.75 and 1 foot tall, spreading moderately to between 1 and 1.5 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Lungwort need?
This valuable perennial prefers partial shade to full shade. Direct, hot afternoon sun should always be avoided to prevent foliage scorch.
When does Lungwort bloom?
Lungwort produces its attractive rose pink flowers during the early season, typically blooming from April extending into May.
Conclusion
Pulmonaria ‘Excalibur’ is a superior choice for grounding shady garden spots, rewarding minimal effort with memorable, silvery foliage and early spring color. Its low requirements for maintenance combined with its excellent tolerance for shade and deer make this Lungwort a versatile staple in woodland or shaded border designs. Check your local USDA zone compatibility and plan to incorporate Pulmonaria ‘Excalibur’ this coming fall for established spring beauty.
Propagation Tips
Division is the simplest and most effective method for propagating Pulmonaria ‘Excalibur’. As the plant spreads slowly via creeping roots, clumps can be separated when they become thickest, usually in the fall. Ensure that each section of the divided root ball has viable green growth attached before replanting immediately into preparing, moist soil.
This propagation technique helps rejuvenate older clumps, ensuring the vibrant foliage display remains vigorous season after season. While seeds are produced, they do not reliably reproduce the exact characteristics of the named cultivar, making division the preferred route for gardeners seeking to multiply their stock of this specific Lungwort.
Common Mistakes
The most frequent error gardeners make with Pulmonaria ‘Excalibur’ is insufficient watering, leading to unhappy foliage or summer dormancy. These plants demand consistently moist, rich soil, especially when establishing or during summer heat waves. Do not site the plant where it receives harsh afternoon sun; scorch marks are often misinterpreted as disease when they are actually sun damage.
Another common oversight is neglecting soil texture; while they tolerate average soil, applying compost or aged leaf mold to enrich the medium will significantly improve plant vigor and reduce the risk of powdery mildew associated with poor soil conditions. Ensure good drainage, as soggy, cold winter soil is detrimental, despite the plant’s need for summer moisture.
