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Key characteristics

Family: Boraginaceae
Height: 12 to 18 inches
Width: 18 to 24 inches
Flower color: Intense cobalt blue flowers held above the foliage
Foliage color: Narrow deep green leaves forming a dense clump
Bloom time: Early to mid spring
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Even moisture
Maintenance: Low; cut back tired foliage after flowering to promote fresh new growth
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 8
Wildlife: Attracts bees and other early season pollinators

Perennials

Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Blue Ensign'

Blue Ensign Lungwort

Pulmonaria angustifolia 'Blue Ensign' forms low clumps of narrow, deep green leaves with a smooth surface and elongated shape that creates a tidy, refined mound. In early to mid spring, upright stems carry clusters of intense cobalt blue flowers that open above the foliage, providing clear color at a time when many shade plantings are just emerging.

The species is native to central and eastern Europe, where it grows in open woodland and meadow margins.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Even moisture

Bloom time

Early to mid spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Shade Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Rain Gardens

Companion plants

Astilbes · Heucheras · Siberian bugloss · Sweet woodruff · Foamflowers · Epimediums

Design tip

The early flowers arrive when the garden is still waking up, so give it a spot you pass often in spring. Keep it out of hot afternoon sun and layer it with woodland companions for a full, settled look.