Pulmonaria 'Shrimps on the Barbie'

Pulmonaria 'Shrimps on the Barbie': A Whimsical Addition with Dynamic Color

Pulmonaria 'Shrimps on the Barbie' brings an element of playful charm and vibrant color to the shade garden. Known for its unique and colorful blooms that transition from pink to a more coral or shrimp hue, this variety of Lungwort is a standout selection for gardeners looking to add intrigue and extended interest to their shady spots. Coupled with its attractively spotted foliage, 'Shrimps on the Barbie' offers a delightful display from early to late spring, making it a must-have for those seeking both foliage and floral beauty in their garden compositions.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: This compact perennial reaches a modest height of 20-30 cm, making it perfect for the front of the border, underplanting larger shrubs, or incorporating into woodland gardens.
• Spread: It forms tidy clumps of about 30-45 cm wide, with the leaves creating a dense mat that effectively suppresses weeds and provides ground cover.
• Flower Colour: The blooms start as a vivid pink and mature to a unique shrimp or coral hue, offering a fascinating color transition that captivates onlookers.
• Flowering Period: Enjoy the colorful spectacle of 'Shrimps on the Barbie' from early spring through to late spring, providing a cheerful display when many gardens are just waking up.
• Foliage: The foliage is equally attractive, with dark green leaves generously speckled with silver spots, providing visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom.
• Sunlight Requirements: Prefers partial to full shade, thriving in cooler, shaded areas where its colors remain vibrant and its foliage lush.
• Soil Requirements: Enjoys moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they retain moisture without becoming waterlogged.

Uses and Benefits: Pulmonaria 'Shrimps on the Barbie' is not only a decorative delight but also serves a functional role in the garden. Its dense foliage is excellent for covering bare ground in shaded areas, and its early blooms are a vital nectar source for bees and other pollinators. The plant is perfect for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and cottage garden settings, where its whimsical blooms and attractive foliage can be appreciated up close.

Companion Plants: To create a layered and textured shade garden, pair 'Shrimps on the Barbie' with other shade-tolerant plants that offer contrasting foliage and blooms. Ferns, Hostas, and Hellebores work beautifully alongside Pulmonaria, offering varying textures and forms. For a continuation of color, incorporate spring-flowering bulbs like Snowdrops (Galanthus) or Daffodils (Narcissus) that bloom in concert with Pulmonaria's spring display.

Care Instructions: 'Shrimps on the Barbie' is a low-maintenance plant that thrives with minimal attention. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially in dryer conditions, to ensure optimal growth and flowering. An annual application of compost or a general-purpose fertilizer in early spring can encourage vigorous foliage and blooms. After flowering, trimming back the spent blooms can tidy the plant and occasionally prompt a secondary flush of flowers.

History: Pulmonaria, commonly known as Lungwort, has a rich history in herbal medicine and has been a cherished addition to shade gardens for centuries. 'Shrimps on the Barbie', with its unique bloom color and playful name, is a modern cultivar that exemplifies the advancements in breeding for ornamental appeal and garden performance.

Final Thoughts: Pulmonaria 'Shrimps on the Barbie' is a whimsical yet elegant choice for any gardener looking to enhance their shade garden with something truly special. Its unique flowering, attractive foliage, and ease of care make it a valuable addition to any garden setting, offering a blend of beauty, functionality, and whimsy. Whether nestled among other shade lovers or featured in a container, 'Shrimps on the Barbie' is sure to spark conversation and bring joy to the spring garden.