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Herbaceous Perennial

Pulmonaria Opal ('Ocupol')
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

lungwort [Opal]

A semi-evergreen perennial with ovate leaves heavily blotched and speckled with silver; clear pale blue flowers open from pale pink buds in spring on stems to 35cm tall

Synonyms
Pulmonaria 'Ocupol'
Pulmonaria officinalis 'Opal'
see morePulmonaria rubra 'Opal'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Green Grey Silver
Summer Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Boraginaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Pulmonaria can be herbaceous or semi-evergreen rhizomatous perennials with terminal clusters of funnel-shaped flowers in late winter or early spring, and often strikingly patterned leaves developing in summer

Name status

Trade

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in humus-rich, fertile, moist but not waterlogged soil in full or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by division after flowering or in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Remove old leaves after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be subject to powdery mildews in dry conditions

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