Pulmonaria Opal is a distinctive and appealing perennial, often known by its common name, Lungwort. It brings ornamental value to shade gardens, offering unique foliage and early spring blooms, and is an excellent choice for adding visual interest and texture to areas with limited sunlight.
Pulmonaria Opal Characteristics
Pulmonaria Opal features semi-evergreen foliage that remains attractive for much of the year. Its dark green leaves are heavily mottled with silvery markings, providing consistent visual appeal even when not in bloom. In early spring, typically from late February through May, Pulmonaria Opal produces clusters of bell-shaped or funnel-shaped flowers. These blooms emerge as pale pink buds and gradually transition to clear blue or icy white as they mature, creating a charming two-toned effect.
The plant grows in a low, clump-forming habit, reaching 12 to 14 inches in height and spreading 12 to 18 inches. This makes it suitable as a groundcover, for edging borders, or for underplanting larger shrubs. Pulmonaria Opal is deer and rabbit resistant, and its early flowers attract pollinators such as bees.
Planting and Growing Conditions
Establishing Pulmonaria Opal successfully begins with careful site selection and soil preparation. These plants thrive in partial to full shade, as direct, harsh sunlight can scorch their delicate foliage and lead to wilting or dormancy, especially in warmer climates. The ideal soil for Pulmonaria Opal is well-draining, fertile, and rich in organic matter. While it prefers consistently moist conditions, the soil should never become waterlogged, which can lead to root issues. Pulmonaria Opal can adapt to various soil types, including clay, loam, or sandy compositions, and tolerates a wide pH range from acidic to alkaline or neutral, with an optimal range between 5.6 and 6.8.
When planting, aim for late summer or early autumn, though spring planting can also be successful. Dig a hole that is approximately the same width and depth as the plant’s container. Carefully remove the plant and gently loosen any circling roots from the root ball before placing it in the prepared hole. Backfill with soil, lightly tamp around the base to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to help settle the plant into its new environment. Proper spacing of 12 to 18 inches between plants allows for their natural clumping and spreading habit as they establish.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Consistent moisture is important for the health and vigor of established Pulmonaria Opal. Regular watering is necessary, particularly during dry spells, to prevent stress and help deter issues like powdery mildew. While a moderate feeder, enriching the soil with organic matter during planting usually provides sufficient nutrients, so fertilization is not a frequent requirement.
After the spring flowering period concludes, deadhead the spent blooms by removing the flower stems. This practice encourages the plant to put energy into developing new, fresh foliage rather than producing seeds. Minimal pruning is needed; cutting back older leaves after flowering or in autumn rejuvenates the plant’s appearance and promotes new leaf development. Pulmonaria Opal is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9. In mild winter regions, the foliage may remain semi-evergreen, providing year-round interest.
Propagation and Common Problems
Pulmonaria Opal can be effectively propagated through division, which also helps maintain the plant’s vigor over time. Large clumps benefit from being divided every three to five years. This process involves carefully digging up the plant and separating the clump into smaller sections, ensuring each new section has both roots and foliage attached. These divisions should then be replanted at the same depth as the original plant and watered well to encourage establishment. Root cuttings can also be taken in winter, and seeds collected in late spring, though seed-grown plants may not exhibit the same characteristics as the parent ‘Opal’ cultivar.
Pulmonaria Opal is robust, but common issues can arise. Slugs and snails may feed on new growth, especially in damp conditions. Aphids can also be a pest concern.
The most frequent disease is powdery mildew, which appears in dry conditions, especially if the plant is not receiving adequate moisture. If observed, affected leaves should be removed and discarded to prevent further spread. The plant regrows fresh foliage after such an intervention. In overly wet conditions, other fungal issues like Pythium or Rhizoctonia can occur.