Pretty in Pink Lungwort

Pretty in Pink Lungwort (Pulmonaria 'Pretty in Pink')

Pretty in Pink Lungwort is a shade-loving perennial that brings a clear pop of spring color to part-shade gardens, then keeps the bed looking finished with attractive foliage. It forms a tidy clump that works like a groundcover, filling in around shrubs and along shaded borders without demanding constant attention. The flowers open in bright pink tones, giving you an early-season highlight when many perennials are still emerging. If you want a dependable shade plant with a stronger pink bloom moment and long-lasting texture, Pretty in Pink is a great choice.

Distinctive Features

This variety is valued for its showy pink spring flowers paired with silver-marked green foliage that brightens low-light spaces. The clumping habit stays compact and neat, spreading slowly over time to create a fuller patch without becoming aggressive. After flowering, the leaves continue to add contrast and texture, helping shade beds look intentional through the growing season. Its value comes from early bloom plus foliage that keeps contributing long after the flowers fade.

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 pink flowers can stand out in early spring.
• Woodland Gardens: Plant in drifts under trees and shrubs for 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.
• Spring Pairings: Combine with hellebores, ferns, 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 Pretty in Pink Lungwort?

• Pink Spring Flowers: Bright pink blooms provide a strong early-season color moment in the shade.
• Bright Foliage Contrast: Silver-marked leaves add texture and lift shaded beds after bloom.
• Groundcover Habit: Clumping growth fills in neatly and helps finish the look of shade borders.
• Deer Resistance: Often left alone by deer, making it a practical choice for woodland settings.
• Season-Long Interest: Foliage remains attractive after flowering, supporting a polished look for months.

If you want a shade perennial with a stronger pink bloom display and foliage that keeps beds looking finished, Pretty in Pink Lungwort is an excellent choice. Plant it where soil stays evenly moist, give it quick cleanup after flowering, and let the leaves carry the display through the season. It is an easy way to add early color and lasting contrast to part-shade gardens.