Opal Lungwort

Opal Lungwort (Pulmonaria 'Opal')

Opal Lungwort is a shade-loving perennial that brings early spring color and lasting foliage contrast to part-shade gardens. It forms a neat clump that helps woodland beds look fuller and more finished, even when other perennials are still emerging. The spring flowers appear in soft, light tones that create a gentle, calming look in the shade, and the foliage continues to carry the planting after bloom. If you want a dependable groundcover-style perennial that brightens low-light spaces without extra work, Opal is a strong choice.

Distinctive Features

This variety is valued for its attractive, silver-marked leaves that add brightness and texture in shaded areas. In spring, clusters of tubular flowers rise above the foliage, offering a soft, pastel effect that pairs easily with woodland companions and spring bulbs. The habit is clumping and compact, spreading slowly over time to fill space without becoming aggressive. Its value comes from early bloom plus foliage that stays attractive well beyond the flowering period.

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 bright foliage can lift 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 Opal Lungwort?

• Bright Shade Foliage: Silver-marked leaves add contrast and lift shaded beds.
• Early Spring Blooms: Soft, pastel flowers provide color when the garden is just starting to wake up.
• Groundcover Habit: Clumping growth 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 delivers gentle spring color and dependable foliage contrast, Opal 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 feel to part-shade gardens.