Lungwort (Pulmonaria 'Roy Davidson')
Pulmonaria 'Roy Davidson' (Lungwort) is a low-maintenance perennial prized for silvery-spotted foliage and early spring flowers that shift from pink to blue.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Pulmonaria ‘Roy Davidson’, commonly known as Lungwort, is a superb choice for shaded garden spaces where reliable color and texture are needed. This herbaceous perennial is highly valued not only for its delightful spring flowers but primarily for its attractive foliage featuring basal clumps of large, medium green leaves heavily marked with silvery spotting. The flowers themselves offer dynamic interest, beginning as pink buds before maturing into clear sky blue blooms, making the display last longer. Pulmonaria ‘Roy Davidson’ is an exceptionally practical plant, offering low maintenance and thriving where many other flowering plants struggle, particularly in deep shade conditions.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Boraginaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.75-1.5 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2 ft
- Bloom Time: April
- Bloom Description: Pink maturing to sky blue
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Pulmonaria ‘Roy Davidson’ when dividing plants in the fall, or during standard spring planting times, ensuring the location adheres to its preference for part shade to full shade. This variety performs best in average, medium-moisture, well-drained soils that are richly organic and humusy. Consistency is key; soils must be kept consistently moist, as allowing them to dry out can cause the foliage to depreciate significantly or lead to summer dormancy, especially in warmer climates like St. Louis summers.
Care involves ensuring consistent moisture throughout the growing season, as drought stresses the plant and invites powdery mildew. While fertilizing is generally unnecessary in rich garden soil, a spring top-dressing of compost can provide necessary nutrients. Pruning is simple: remove flower stems immediately after the bloom period concludes to keep the plant tidy.
Be mindful of sunlight exposure; while Lungwort tolerates light morning sun, it absolutely requires afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch. If the foliage becomes overcrowded, divide the clump slowly creeping roots in the fall for maintenance and propagation. Even in mild winter regions, the leaves may retain some color, offering extended visual interest.
Landscape Uses
Pulmonaria ‘Roy Davidson’ excels as an outstanding foliage plant specifically designed for shady environmental niches. Best utilized in groups or massed plantings, it serves beautifully as a low-growing ground cover beneath larger shrubs or trees where light is limited. It integrates seamlessly into woodland gardens, shaded border areas, or even shaded rock gardens, providing year-round structure punctuated by early spring color. Consider also using this reliable variety as an edging plant along shady paths where its spotted leaves can be easily admired up close.
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. The common name of lungwort is in reference to the supposed resemblance of the blotched/spotted leaves to a diseased lung. ‘Roy Davidson’ typically grows to 12” high and spreads to 18-24” wide, featuring large, medium green leaves with significant silvery spotting.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Heavy Shade
- Black Walnut
Potential Problems
Pulmonaria ‘Roy Davidson’ generally exhibits few serious insect or disease issues, which contributes to its low maintenance profile. However, slugs and snails can occasionally become an issue when conditions are damp. The primary cultural challenge involves avoiding dry conditions; if soils frequently become dry, powdery mildew can become a significant problem on the foliage. Furthermore, plants exposed to too much intense sun or excessive summer heat will show depreciated leaves that may scorch, reinforcing the need for consistent afternoon shade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Lungwort suitable for?
Pulmonaria ‘Roy Davidson’ is reliably cold-hardy, thriving across USDA Zones 3 through 8.
How large does Pulmonaria ‘Roy Davidson’ grow?
This perennial generally reaches a modest height between 0.75 to 1.5 feet tall and spreads outward to cover an area of 1.5 to 2 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Lungwort need?
This variety requires part shade to full shade conditions; afternoon shade is essential to prevent leaf scorch during hot periods.
When does Pulmonaria ‘Roy Davidson’ bloom?
The flowers typically appear in April, starting out pink and gradually maturing to a lovely sky blue hue.
Conclusion
Pulmonaria ‘Roy Davidson’ remains a standout performer for shaded landscapes due to its minimal maintenance needs, deer resistance, and uniquely attractive spotted foliage that lasts through much of the year. If you are seeking reliable texture and early spring blooms for deeply shaded areas, this Lungwort is an excellent functional and aesthetic addition to the garden design. Confirm that your planting site offers moist, well-drained soil and adequate afternoon shade before planting Pulmonaria ‘Roy Davidson’ this coming season.
Companion Planting for Shade Gardens
Succession planting is easy with Lungwort, as its blooming period occurs early in the season before many summer perennials reach their peak. Pair Pulmonaria ‘Roy Davidson’ with other shade lovers that appreciate similar soil moisture levels. Hostas make excellent companions, complementing the structure of the Lungwort while offering varied leaf textures. Astilbe provides airy summer plumes rising above the foliage of the Lungwort once its spring flowers fade. Ferns, such as Japanese Painted Ferns, offer fine texture contrast against the broad, spotted leaves of Pulmonaria ‘Roy Davidson’.
Propagation Tips
Dividing clumps of Pulmonaria ‘Roy Davidson’ is the simplest and most effective propagation method, which should be performed in the fall when the plants are slightly slowing down before winter dormancy. Gently lift the entire clump using a garden fork, taking care not to damage the creeping roots excessively. Separate the outer, younger sections of the root mass, ensuring each new division has adequate roots and at least two active growth points. Replant the divided sections immediately into prepared, moist soil at the same depth they were previously growing to ensure a quick recovery.
