Lungwort (Pulmonaria saccharata 'Leopard')
Pulmonaria saccharata 'Leopard' Lungwort offers striking spotted foliage and early coral pink blooms, perfect for tough shady spots.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Leopard’, commonly known as Lungwort, is highly prized for its dramatically mottled foliage that brightens deep shade areas throughout the growing season. This herbaceous perennial provides essential early spring color when few other plants are active, featuring charming clusters of coral pink flowers that age beautifully. Its resilience and low upkeep make Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Leopard’ an indispensable element for woodland and shade gardens across varied climates.
The foliage is the primary showpiece: large, bristly, deep green leaves heavily adorned with striking white spots that resemble leopard markings, giving it an evergreen presence in mild winters. While the flowers are lovely, the true architectural value of this plant lies in its persistent, variegated ground cover. Lungwort spreads slowly via creeping roots, forming attractive, low-mounding clumps ideal for suppressing weeds beneath taller shrubs or trees.
Gardeners seeking reliable structure and moderate moisture tolerance in shady borders will find this cultivar—Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Leopard’—to be an extremely valuable asset. It thrives where many other perennials struggle, offering strong visual interest with minimal intervention once established.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Boraginaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2 ft
- Bloom Time: April
- Bloom Description: Coral pink
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
The establishment phase for Lungwort requires attention to soil quality and moisture consistency. Plant Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Leopard’ in cool, humusy, organically rich soil that remains evenly moist but drains exceptionally well. While it handles heavy shade, avoid planting in full sun, as this almost guarantees leaf scorch or wilting. It is intolerant of consistently wet, poorly-drained conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Watering is critical during establishment and hot periods; the soil must not be allowed to dry out completely for healthy foliage development. Fertilization is rarely needed if the soil is richly amended with compost initially. Pruning mainly involves removing any spent flower stems after blooming concludes, though this is optional.
Since Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Leopard’ spreads very slowly by creeping roots and is not considered invasive, active root management is usually unnecessary. If clumps become overcrowded after several years, divide them in the fall. In warmer climates (Zones 7-8), the basal leaves provide semi-evergreen coverage throughout the winter months, requiring only debris removal in early spring.
Landscape Uses
Lungwort is an exceptional choice for mass planting or naturalizing under deciduous trees where it can effectively cover ground in shifting light conditions. Its clump-forming, low habit (1 to 1.5 feet tall) makes it perfect for defining the front edge of a shade border or lining natural, winding paths through woodland plantings. The striking foliage brightens dark areas, acting as a living mulch.
Consider pairing Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Leopard’ with other shade-loving, moisture-tolerant plants that emerge slightly later, such as Hostas, Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa), or variegated Solomon’s Seal. This contrast in texture and timing ensures continuous interest throughout the season. Its low stature also makes it effective as a unique, textured edging plant where consistent shade prevails.
The ability of this cultivar to thrive in the challenging root competition of mature trees, indicated by its Black Walnut tolerance, means it can be used effectively in layered, established landscapes where fewer plants succeed.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Pulmonaria saccharata, commonly known as Bethlehem sage or lungwort, is more valued for its attractive foliage than for its flowers. It is a setose-hairy, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial of the borage family that features basal clumps to 8-12” tall of slightly-winged, long-stalked, acuminate, elliptic, bristly-pubescent, deep green leaves (4-12” long) which are heavily mottled with striking white spots or blotches. Sparsely-leaved flowering stems with ovate-oblong, short stalked to stalkless, cauline leaves (to 6” long) rise above the foliage clump to 18” tall in early to mid spring (April-May) topped by nodding branched terminal cymes of funnel-shaped blue bell-like flowers (to 1” long). Flower clusters are often two-toned because flowers emerge pink from pink buds but mature to blue. The basal foliage clump slowly spreads by creeping rootstocks to 24” wide. This plant is native from France to Italy.Genus name comes from the Latin pulmo meaning lung. In accordance with the Doctrine of Signatures, lungwort was once believed by Medieval herbalists to be an effective remedy for treating lung diseases because the spotted plant leaves purportedly resembled diseased lungs. However, it is well established today that this is not a valid method in determining a plant’s medicinal properties.Specific epithet comes from the Latin word saccharatus meaning sugary in reference to the foliage being covered with a white film suggesting a powdering of sugar.Common name of lungwort is in reference to the supposed resemblance of the spotted leaves to a diseased lung.‘Leopard’ was discovered and named by horticulturist, Graham Stuart Thomas. It is a mound forming perennial with mostly basal clumps of large, hairy, medium green leaves (to 12” long) that are heavily spotted with silvery blotches. Clusters (terminal cymes) of funnel-shaped, coral pink flowers bloom in spring on stems rising 12-14” tall. ‘Leopard’ grows 1 to 1.5 ft. Tall and 1.5 to 2 ft. Wide
Tolerances
- Deer
- Heavy Shade
- Black Walnut
Potential Problems
Lungwort exhibits excellent resistance, presenting no serious insect or disease issues for the most part. Occasionally, slugs or snails may target the soft foliage, requiring standard management techniques like baits or relocation. The most common aesthetic problem arises from cultural stress; leaves can depreciate considerably in extremely hot weather and/or too much sun, particularly if soils are allowed to dry out. Prevention involves ensuring adequate moisture during heatwaves and siting the plant correctly in full shade. Furthermore, root rot remains a risk if the soil becomes saturated or poorly drained, making drainage paramount to the longevity of your Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Leopard’.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Lungwort suitable for?
Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Leopard’ is hardy across a wide range, suitable for USDA Zones 3 through 8.
How large does Lungwort grow?
This cultivar typically matures to a modest size, reaching between 1 and 1.5 feet in height and spreading outward to 1.5 to 2 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Leopard’ need?
The best location for this plant is part shade to full shade; prolonged direct sun will usually cause the attractive leaves to scorch or wilt.
When does Lungwort bloom?
The early spring blooming time is typically in April, presenting lovely Coral pink flowers before many other perennials awaken.
Conclusion
Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Leopard’ is a low-maintenance powerhouse for shaded gardens, valued equally for its striking silver-spotted foliage and its early coral pink blooms. A reliable performer, this Lungwort cultivar handles tough conditions, including heavy shade and dry shade competition. Check your site conditions against USDA Zones 3-8 and ensure consistent moisture to invite this highly decorative perennial into your landscape design this season.
Propagation Tips
Division is the most straightforward and common method for propagating healthy clumps of Lungwort. Since this plant spreads very slowly by creeping rhizomes, division is best performed in the fall, after the foliage has finished its primary growth phase but before the ground freezes hard. Gently lift clumps using a sharp spade, taking care to maintain soil around the roots, and immediately replant divisions to their new locations.
Ensure each separated piece has a healthy crown and sufficient established roots for successful re-establishment. If the soil is dry at division time, water the new divisions thoroughly to help settle the soil and mitigate transplant shock. This process also serves to reinvigorate overcrowded older plants, promoting better vigor and better display for your Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Leopard’.
Companion Planting
Because Pulmonaria saccharata ‘Leopard’ requires humus-rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil in shady locations, companion plants should share similar cultural needs to simplify garden maintenance. Excellent partners include ferns that prefer moisture, such as Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum), or low-growing groundcovers like Vinca minor or various Epimediums.
For textural contrast, place Lungwort near plants that offer different architectural forms, such as evergreen Hellebores, which bloom slightly earlier, or tall, airy bleeding hearts (Dicentra spectabilis) that emerge later in spring. Success depends on providing a rich soil organic matter content, meaning composting heavily around all shade partners benefits the entire group.
