Pulmonaria 'Trevi Fountain'

Pulmonaria 'Trevi Fountain': Cobalt Pools of Spring Blue

Large clusters of cobalt-blue bells spilling over silver-spotted leaves. 'Trevi Fountain' is the only fountain where you get something back for your coin. MAKE A WISH. THEN MAKE A PURCHASE.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Pulmonaria hybrid
• Common Name: Lungwort
• Height: 25–30 cm (10–12 in)
• Spread: 50–60 cm (20–24 in)
• Flowers: Large clusters of cobalt-blue to violet-blue bells
• Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring (April to May)
• Foliage: Long, deep green leaves with silver spots
• Features: Good mildew resistance
• Plant Patent: USPP 13,047

Where to Plant: Use it for spring colour in shady beds, under high-branched shrubs or along a woodland edge, where a few planted together make a pool of blue. Because it stays low, it also works as a groundcover where grass struggles under trees.

Companion Plants: Cornus canadensis carpets the ground with white flowers in May and June. Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' adds big leaves at 45 to 60 cm and white flowers in June and July. Cimicifuga 'Chocoholic' rises behind with pink spikes from August to October. Blue lungwort starts the year in April, so the bed has something to offer in every season.

Plant Care: Plant in average to moist, humus-rich soil. Terra Nova notes that it wilts quickly if the soil dries out, so keep it watered through dry stretches and mulch to hold in moisture. Once the flowers fade, cut the plant back to encourage a clean flush of new leaves. Divide in early fall or right after blooming when clumps get crowded.

History: 'Trevi Fountain' was bred by Dan Heims at Terra Nova Nurseries in Oregon from Pulmonaria longifolia 'Bertram Anderson' and Pulmonaria vallarsae 'Margery Fish', and was patented in 2002. The name nods to the famous Baroque fountain in Rome.

Final Thoughts: Deer resistant, mildew resistant and happy in deep shade. Toss it into the cart over your shoulder. TRADITION DEMANDS IT.