Pulmonaria 'Dark Vador'

Pulmonaria 'Dark Vador': Shadowy Foliage, Starry Spring Bloom

Bold and dramatic, Pulmonaria 'Dark Vador' makes a striking impression in the shade garden with its near-black foliage dusted in silver and early-spring flowers that open pink and mature to violet-blue. Compact and clump-forming, this lungwort selection offers excellent mildew resistance and standout leaf colour long after the blooms fade. Ideal for brightening shady corners and adding contrast beneath trees or along woodland paths, it’s a reliable performer with true garden presence.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 20–30 cm
• Spread: 35–45 cm
• Flower Colour: Pink fading to violet-blue
• Flowering Period: Early to mid-spring
• Foliage: Very dark green to nearly black with silver spotting; semi-evergreen
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil

Uses and Benefits: 'Dark Vador' brings early-season bloom and long-lasting foliage interest to shade gardens, cottage borders, and woodland plantings. Its unique colouring provides a dramatic backdrop for lighter-leaved companions, and its spring flowers are a vital nectar source for early pollinators. This is a true foliage-forward perennial with multi-season appeal.

Companion Plants: Pair with the clean white blooms of Helleborus niger, the soft golden-striped blades of Carex 'Evergold', and the silvery-violet tones of Athyrium 'Japanese Painted Fern' for a textured, shade-loving arrangement full of contrast, elegance, and spring vitality.

Care Instructions: Plant in part to full shade with moist, organic-rich, well-drained soil. Water during dry spells, especially in spring and early summer. Remove spent flower stems and trim back damaged foliage to encourage fresh regrowth. Divide clumps every few years in fall or early spring to maintain vigour.

History: A modern cultivar of Pulmonaria, 'Dark Vador' was named for its dramatic foliage and moody appeal. Bred for improved mildew resistance, it offers reliable garden performance with a touch of theatrical flair.

Final Thoughts: With its rich, shadowy leaves and early burst of colour, Pulmonaria 'Dark Vador' commands attention in the spring shade garden—proof that dark foliage can shine just as brightly as bloom.