Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Pulmonaria saccharata 'Excalibur'
Excalibur Lungwort
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Height
- 12 inches
- Width
- 18 inches
- Flower color
- Rose pink, maturing to violet-blue
- Foliage color
- Silvery-white leaves with dark green midribs and edges
- Bloom time
- Early spring
- Light
- Part shade to full shade
- Water
- Medium
- Maintenance
- Low; divide plants in fall if overcrowded
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3 to 8
- Wildlife
- N/A
About this plant
Pulmonaria saccharata 'Excalibur' is a perennial valued for its silvery foliage and vibrant spring blooms. From late winter to mid-spring, it produces clusters of funnel-shaped flowers that transition from rich pink to violet-blue as they mature, offering a dynamic and colorful display. The lance-shaped leaves, heavily dusted with silvery-white markings, provide lasting visual interest even after the flowering season.
This cultivar originates from breeding efforts to enhance both ornamental and garden performance traits. 'Excalibur' thrives in shaded to partially shaded garden settings, where its unique foliage and early blooms brighten woodland gardens, borders, or underplantings for trees and shrubs. Its long-lasting appeal makes it a favorite among gardeners seeking a plant that performs well through multiple seasons.
Works well in
Borders · Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Rock Gardens · Containers
Companion plants
Heucheras · Siberian bugloss · Sweet woodruff · Foamflowers · Epimediums · Hostas
Design tip
Spring bloom is its headline moment, and it reads best in a group rather than as a single plant. Keep it out of hot afternoon sun and layer it with woodland companions for a full, settled look.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
