Warm to this plant

Which is why so many people grow Pulmonaria, the lungwort, which begins to bloom as the days grow longer and there’s a hint of warmth in the air. They also grow them because these little plants are simple to cultivate – they are very low maintenance – and a joy to behold.

They keep their heads low to the ground, producing plenty of long, spotty leaves topped with clusters of tiny trumpet-like flowers. They’re mainly blue or purple but some, like P officinalis “Sissinghurst White” have – surprise, surprise – loads of small white blooms.

Plant them in a shady spot, or beneath deciduous trees or hedges, and they will thrive. Give them a decent, water-retentive but not waterlogged soil, and they should flourish for years.

Originating in Europe and Asia, this low-growing, deciduous perennial is actually a member of the borage family and is produced by slowly-spreading rhizomes.

Since lungwort doesn’t come true from seed, dividing is the best method of propagation. Division should be made in late spring after blooming or in early autumn. Space transplants 30 to 45 centimetres apart and provide plenty of water to help them re-establish.

The earliest to flower is normally Pulmonaria rubra, and there are two very good forms – “Redstart” and “Bowles’ Red”. Rubra is the exception to the pink/blue rule and carries clusters of open, coral-red blooms.

And if you’re looking for something really red and unusual, seek out P rubra “David Ward” whose leaves are pale green edged with white. The flowers are coral red and show up wonderfully well at the front of a shady border where it will rarely grow taller than just nine inches.

Almost twice that height – a giant among lungworts – is the gorgeous “Lewis Palmer”, with handsome blue flowers and an abundance of spotted leaves. It blooms for several weeks in spring.

The big drawback to Pulmonaria is hairy leaves which can cause an uncomfortable red rash. So, handle with care; if in doubt, wear some decent gloves. But that’s a small price to pay.