It is not often that Australian gardeners have damp shady positions to fill, however Pulmonaria augustifolia ‘azurea’ is an excellent plant for those lucky enough.
Also known as ‘Blue Lungwort’ and ‘Narrow Leafed Lungwort’ it is the deep blue flowers that appear in spring that are the main attraction. Flowers are a wonderful ‘Azure’blue as the name suggests.
This is another ‘semi evergreen’ ground cover plant, green foliage is attractive and the brilliant pale to mid blue funnel shaped flowers in spring make a welcome addition to the shaded border or woodland garden.
Plant in large clumps to keep the weeds under control, or in small groups to add patches of colour in the shade garden.
Pulmonaria augustifolia azurea Care
Dig in lots of well rotted compost and sone reconstituted coir peat to make a moisture retentive soil. Shade and moisture are the main requirements.
The best position is beneath a deciduous tree whee the plant can get good light in spring, and is then protected from the heat of the sun during summer.
Summary Conditions.
- Part shade.
- Humus rich soil.
- Moisture through spring and summer.
- Mulch lightly in autumn.
- In dry summers Pulmonaria tend to go into dormancy, so water during this period.
Best grown by division as seed seems to have a very short life, and if not fresh may be found to be not viable.
NB. Pulmonaria augustifolia subsp.’Azurea’ is sometimes wrongly listed as Pulmonaria officianalis’Azurea’ which generally has spotted foliage.