Pulmonaria 'Moonshine'

Pulmonaria 'Moonshine': Silver Leaves That Light the Evening Path

Leaves so silver they practically reflect the moon, with just a thin green edge to prove they're still plants. Pale blue bells open from pink buds in early spring. THE SHADE GARDEN'S NIGHT LIGHT.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Pulmonaria hybrid
• Common Name: Lungwort
• Height: 20–25 cm (8–10 in)
• Spread: 30–40 cm (12–16 in)
• Flowers: Pale blue bells that open from light pink buds
• Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring (April to May)
• Foliage: Mostly silver leaves with a narrow deep green edge
• Features: Good resistance to powdery mildew
• Plant Patent: USPP 13,686

Where to Plant: Plant it where you need light in the shade: at the front of a woodland border, along a dim path or under shrubs. Silver leaves really shine in the evening, so it's a smart pick near a patio or entry you use after work.

Companion Plants: Asarum europaeum forms a glossy groundcover at 10 to 15 cm that sits nicely beside the lungwort's leaves. Ligularia 'Little Rocket' rises behind with yellow spikes from June to August. Eurybia divaricata 'Eastern Star' brings white flowers from August to October. Shade or part shade suits all three.

Plant Care: Give it moist, rich soil with plenty of organic matter. Water through dry spells, especially in its first year. It prefers not to compete with shallow tree roots, so give it a little elbow room. Cut the flower stems back once blooming ends, and remove any tatty leaves. New leaves will fill in quickly. Divide the clump every few years in early fall or just after flowering if it gets crowded.

History: 'Moonshine' was bred by Dan Heims at Terra Nova Nurseries in Oregon from an open-pollinated cross among hybrid lungworts, with a patent application filed in 2002. The name Pulmonaria comes from the Latin word for lung, after the spotted leaves that early herbalists thought looked like one.

Final Thoughts: Deer resistant and mildew resistant, so the silver stays shiny. Plant it where you walk at dusk. HOMEMADE GLOW, NO STILL REQUIRED.