Lungwort (Pulmonaria 'Sissinghurst White')

Overview

Pulmonaria ‘Sissinghurst White’ is a highly valued herbaceous perennial, celebrated primarily for its striking foliage that brightens the darkest garden corners. This Lungwort variety produces clumps of oval leaves generously spotted with silvery-white, offering texture throughout the growing season. In early spring, it rewards gardeners with charming, upright clusters of white flowers that emerge from pink buds, adding ephemeral color before many other perennials awaken.

Valued for its low maintenance needs and resilience in difficult locations, Pulmonaria ‘Sissinghurst White’ thrives where many other ornamental plants struggle. It is an excellent structural choice for woodland settings or shaded borders, forming a dense groundcover perfect for suppressing weeds. Its tolerance for dense shade and adverse soil conditions makes it a reliable anchor plant in challenging landscapes.

Ultimately, gardeners seek out Lungwort for its dependable performance in shade. The silvery markings on the foliage of Pulmonaria ‘Sissinghurst White’ contrast beautifully with rich green surroundings, providing year-round visual interest, even when not in bloom. Use this plant massed to create a significant impact in deep shade areas.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Boraginaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.75-1 ft
  • Spread: 1-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: April to May
• Bloom Description: White from pink buds
• Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Plant Pulmonaria ‘Sissinghurst White’ in the fall or early spring, ensuring the location provides protection from intense afternoon sun. This Lungwort prefers average soils but performs best when the medium is enriched with organic matter, mimicking the humusy conditions of a woodland floor. Good drainage is critical; avoid consistently heavy, waterlogged spots.

Maintain consistent moisture, especially during hot summer periods, as soils that dry out can cause the attractive foliage to wilt significantly or scorch in the heat. While fertilization is usually unnecessary if the soil is rich, supplemental water is the key to maintaining foliage quality through deep summer periods. Deadhead spent flower stalks immediately after flowering concludes to encourage tidiness, although this is optional.

As the season progresses, be mindful that Pulmonaria ‘Sissinghurst White’ spreads slowly via creeping roots. If clumps become too dense, divide them during the fall. While generally robust, avoid excessive dryness to mitigate potential powdery mildew concerns, which this plant sometimes faces under stress conditions.

Landscape Uses

Lungwort excels when massed as an effective ground cover within shaded landscapes. Pulmonaria ‘Sissinghurst White’ is recommended for woodland gardens, shaded border areas, and rock gardens where its foliage can be prominently displayed. It can also serve as a neat, low edging plant along shady paths, defining boundaries without requiring extensive pruning.

This plant pairs wonderfully with other shade-loving perennials that appreciate similar moisture and light conditions. Consider combining it with Hostas, large-leaved Heucheras, or ferns to create layers of contrasting texture and color beneath deciduous trees. The early bloom time of ‘Sissinghurst White’ also complements later-flowering spring bulbs like Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica).

Using groups or drifts of this perennial creates a powerful visual carpet beneath high canopies. Its ability to naturalize gently ensures that the planting will slowly expand to cover ground effectively, providing a consistent, low-impact green and silver tapestry across the shaded portions of your yard.

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Pulmonaria is a genus valued by gardeners often more for its distinctive, patterned foliage than for its brief spring flowers. ‘Sissinghurst White’ is specifically noted for its basal clumps of oval leaves featuring silvery-white spots, creating a high-contrast mound. Drooping clusters of funnel-shaped white flowers bloom on short stalks in spring, typically maturing from pink buds, earning it an Award of Garden Merit from the RHS in 1993.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Heavy Shade
• Black Walnut

Potential Problems

Lungwort generally presents very few serious pest or disease issues, making Pulmonaria ‘Sissinghurst White’ a reliable choice. The most common insect pests encountered are slugs and snails, which can chew holes in the attractive leaves, especially in very moist conditions. Control these opportunists with typical slug management techniques.

Powdery mildew can become a problem, particularly if the plant experiences environmental stress, most commonly from dry soils during hot summers. To prevent fungal issues, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged, and site the plant where it receives adequate air circulation, even within the shade.

In extremely hot or exposed locations, foliage of Pulmonaria ‘Sissinghurst White’ may depreciate, becoming scorched or floppy, signaling a need for more afternoon shade or increased summer irrigation. Proper siting and consistent watering are the best preventative measures against most minor cultural issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Lungwort suitable for?

Pulmonaria ‘Sissinghurst White’ is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8.

How large does Lungwort grow?

This perennial typically reaches a height between 0.75 and 1 foot tall, spreading to a width of 1 to 1.5 feet.

What sun exposure does Pulmonaria ‘Sissinghurst White’ need?

This plant thrives best under part shade to full shade conditions, requiring protection from intense afternoon sun.

When does Lungwort bloom?

Pulmonaria ‘Sissinghurst White’ blooms in the mid-spring, generally from April to May, showcasing white flowers that emerge from pink buds.

Conclusion

The exquisite, silvery-spotted foliage of Pulmonaria ‘Sissinghurst White’ makes it an indispensable element for brightening deep shade gardens, complemented by its charming, early spring bloom. This low-maintenance Lungwort offers texture and resilience, performing reliably season after season. Before planting, verify that your intended site offers the consistent moisture and shade compatibility required for this excellent perennial.

Companion Planting

Selecting companions for Pulmonaria ‘Sissinghurst White’ should focus on plants that share its love for cool, moist, organically rich soil and protection from the summer sun. Good partners include fine-textured ferns, such as Japanese Painted Ferns (Athyrium), whose frilly appearance contrasts beautifully with the solid structure of Lungwort foliage. Deep green Hostas provide excellent background mass, complementing the silver spotting of the Pulmonaria beautifully.

Consider plants that bloom slightly earlier or later to extend the season of interest in your shade border. Spring ephemerals can naturalize alongside the slowly spreading roots of the Lungwort. Once the Pulmonaria starts to slow in high heat, later-season shade stars like Astilbe or hardy Geraniums can take over the visual display, keeping the area vibrant.

When planting in groups, ensure you allow adequate space for the slow spread of Pulmonaria ‘Sissinghurst White’; while it functions well as a groundcover, overcrowding can reduce air circulation, potentially inviting mildew. Mass planting creates that desired cool, woodland-floor aesthetic.

Propagation Tips

The easiest way to propagate Pulmonaria ‘Sissinghurst White’ is through division, which is best carried out in the fall after the summer growth period has concluded. Gently lift the clump using a garden fork, taking care not to damage the roots excessively. Divide the root ball into sections, ensuring each new piece retains both healthy roots and several vigorous crown buds.

Replant the divided sections immediately into prepared soil that has been enriched with compost to ensure good moisture retention and drainage. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. Division is also highly recommended if the clump becomes overly crowded or if blooms have become sparse, effectively rejuvenating the plants.

While seed propagation is possible, it will not reliably produce offspring identical to the parent cultivar, as ‘Sissinghurst White’ is a named selection. Division ensures you maintain the exact white flower color and distinctive silvery leaf pattern that makes this specific Lungwort so desirable.