High Contrast Lungwort

High Contrast Lungwort (Pulmonaria 'High Contrast')

High Contrast Lungwort is a shade-loving perennial that brightens low-light beds with bold silver foliage and an early spring bloom season. It forms a tidy clump that acts like a living mulch, helping shade borders look fuller and more finished through the growing season. Spring flowers open in shades that shift from pink to blue, adding a soft, changing color display when many perennials are just emerging. If you want a dependable shade performer with foliage that carries the show long after bloom, this is a strong choice.

Distinctive Features

This variety is prized for its dramatic leaf pattern, with silvery surfaces and darker green edging that creates the high-contrast look in shade. The clumping habit stays compact and neat, spreading gently over time to fill space without becoming aggressive. In spring, clusters of tubular flowers appear and often show multiple tones as they mature, creating a layered effect on the plant. Its value comes from standout foliage plus early bloom, delivering season-long texture and brightness in part shade.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Part shade to full shade is ideal, with morning sun tolerated when soil stays evenly moist.
• Soil: Plant in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil for best foliage quality and bloom performance.
• Water: Water regularly during establishment and keep soil consistently moist through dry spells.
• USDA Zones: Zones 3 to 8.
• Mature Size: Typically grows about 10 to 12 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a focal point in a shade bed where the silver foliage can brighten the foreground.
• Woodland Gardens: Plant in drifts under trees and shrubs for early spring color and long-season texture.
• Shade Borders: Edge shaded paths and beds with a low, clumping plant that keeps a tidy outline.
• Underplanting: Tuck beneath shrubs to cover bare soil and add contrast where light is limited.
• Companion Planting: Pair with ferns, hellebores, hostas, and spring bulbs for layered shade texture.

Low Maintenance Care

• Cleanup: Remove spent flower stems after bloom to keep the clump neat and foliage forward.
• Watering: Avoid letting soil dry out completely in summer to reduce stress and maintain leaf quality.
• Mulching: Apply a thin layer of mulch or leaf mold to hold moisture and keep roots cool.
• Division: Divide clumps every few years if needed to refresh vigor and expand plantings.
• Placement: Protect from hot afternoon sun, which can scorch foliage during warm weather.

Why Choose High Contrast Lungwort?

• Bold Silver Foliage: High-contrast leaves brighten shade and add strong texture without flowers.
• Early Spring Blooms: Pink-to-blue flowers deliver color when the garden is just starting to wake up.
• Groundcover Value: Clumping habit helps fill in and finish the look of shade borders and underplantings.
• Deer Resistance: Often left alone by deer, making it a practical choice for woodland settings.
• Season-Long Interest: Foliage stays attractive after flowering, supporting a polished look for months.

If you want a shade perennial that brings strong leaf contrast and reliable spring color, High Contrast Lungwort is an excellent choice. Plant it where soil stays evenly moist, give it quick cleanup after bloom, and let the foliage brighten the bed through the season. It is an easy way to add contrast and a more finished look to part-shade gardens.