Majeste Lungwort

Majeste Lungwort (Pulmonaria 'Majeste')

Majeste Lungwort is a shade-loving perennial that brightens low-light beds with bold silver foliage and dependable early spring flowers. It forms a tidy clump that fills in as a groundcover, helping woodland borders look fuller and more finished through the season. The spring blooms open in soft pink tones and shift toward blue as they mature, creating a gentle multi-color effect on the same plant. If you want a reliable shade performer with foliage that keeps working long after bloom, Majeste is a strong choice.

Distinctive Features

This variety is prized for its large, heavily silvered leaves that bring a brighter, more luminous look to shaded areas. The foliage often reads almost solid silver with green margins, creating strong contrast next to darker shade perennials. In spring, clusters of tubular flowers appear above the foliage, typically showing a mix of pink and blue shades as they develop. 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 interest.

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 Majeste Lungwort?

• Heavily Silvered Leaves: Bright foliage brings contrast and a luminous look to shaded beds.
• Early Spring Flowers: Pink-to-blue blooms add gentle color when the garden is just starting.
• Groundcover Habit: Clumping growth helps 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 delivers bold foliage contrast and reliable spring color, Majeste Lungwort is an excellent choice. Plant it where soil stays evenly moist, give it a quick cleanup after bloom, and let the silver leaves brighten the bed through the season. It is an easy way to add contrast and a more finished feel to part-shade gardens.